A WORLD TO REBUILD
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
S1R,—I have read your leading article "A World to Rebuild" with deep interest. It is not possible, of course, to anticipate the decisions of H.M. Government, who w:th a great deal more information in their possession than is available to the general public, are doubtless today engaged in active preparation for the peace settlement which in the fullness of time will be upon us for decision. But with one point in your article I would venture to express my strong agreement, on the basis of my experience in Austria, which all things said and done is not so remote, namely that con- federation is the immediate possibility open to the negotiators of the peace when the time comes rather than federation.. President Benes, with almost unique experience of the conditions which prevail in Central Europe, seems to share this point of view.
In particular was I glad that you, Sir, make a distinction between Austria and Germany, since I believe that on the restoration of Austrian independence, coupled with adequate provision for Austria's economic needs, may well depend the duration of the settlement the Allied Nations are anxious to achieve. Austria was indeed the first victim of Herr Hitler's aggressive policy, and this must "never be forgotten."
On the question of Austria the declarations of H.M. Government have undoubtedly been most satisfactory. Nevertheless those declarations remain to be implemented if our policy is to be brought fully into line with that of the U.S. Government. When the U.S. Government entered the war they made a distinction between Germans and Austrians, excluding the latter from treatment as enemy aliens, while almost simultaneously with the publication of your article Mr. Stimson announced in Washington, that President Roosevelt had decided to form an Austrian regiment to be attached to the U.S. army. This is unquestionably a significant poli- tical act on the part of President Roosevelt, providing full recognition by the U.S. Government of the difference which exists between Germany and Austria in relation to responsibility for the present war.
Those of us who have in mind all the circumstances attending Herr Hitler's entry into Austria on March 11th, 1938, cannot but welcome this action on the part of the U.S. Government, and express the hope that after due consideration of present difficulties, H.M. Government may see their way to adapt their policy to that of the U.S. Government, thus according to Austrians exiled from their country as a result of the Nazi aggression that status which seems to accord not only with justice, but also with political expediency.—! am, Sir, your obedient servant,
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