STRONG ATTACK

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 285, 14 September 1935, Page 6

STRONG ATTACK

THE EVILS OF PACIFISM.

LEGISLATIVE COUNCIL DEBATE. (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, September 13. In the Addrcss-in-Reply debate in the Legislative Council to-day, the Hon W. H. Mclntyre, dealing with the Abyssinian dispute, said he did not think that New Zealand was much interested in Italy’s African policy, and he thought that New Zealand would be well advised to be begged to bo excused. He did not know why ono man should be sent to fight to preserve the League of Nations, which was an absolute illusion. His sympathies were with Italy, which should have the right to endeavour to develop a country which was undeveloped, and which the people who were occupying it would, never develop. A similar argument against Italy’s intentions could bo used against the British in coming to New Zealand. The Hon. W. Perry referred to New Zealand’s obligations under the League Covenant, and emphasised her obligations under treaties with other nations should the League, an institution based on the hopes and prayers of millions, collapse. There were two schools of thought about the League—ono believing that the League was a conciliating body never resorting to force, and the other school thought that war could not be- avoided unless the would-be aggressor was restrained by force used against him. Mr Perry said he belonged most emphatically to the latter school, and bo was supported in his view bv the Archbishop of York. The Hon. F. Waite: What if other nations do not join? Mr Perry: Then I should certainly not suggest that Britain should be the world’s policeman alone. The Archbishop of York made his statement subject to the condition that all should join in. It was the duty of members of the League, said Mr Perry, to enforce the Covenant of the League at whatever cost. If we desire peace we must he prepared to make sacrifices to obtain peace. History had shown that peace had never been brought about by moral suasion. Ho strongly attacked pacifism, and said there seemed to be a division of opinion among members ol the League of Nations Union in New Zealand. The Dominion was bound by all the obligations of the Covenant, and it was her duty to provide her share of tho force necessary to onforce the Covenant, assuming that all the signatories to the Covenant agreed to enforce sanctions. Signor Mussolini desired the expansion of Italy, hut had this position arisen in 1913 when Britain had a two-power navy, Britain would have said 1 , “Hands off Abyssinia,” and Italy would have accepted that. Britain had almost thrown away her birthright by disarmament, and it was doubtful whether her voice counted) for much in the councils of nations. Mr Perry also criticised the Christian pacifists who lielonged to the No-More-War Movement. The doctrine of Cliristion pacifism was subversive to a full democracy such as New Zealand was. If the League failed^the race for armaments would be intensified. He emphasised the urgent need for adequate naval and military defence in New Zealand.