WORLD PEACE.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 57, Issue 115, 25 February 1937, Page 6

WORLD PEACE.

VALUE OF A STRONG BRITAIN. HOLDING BALANCE OF POWER. (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, February 24. Given freedom from war, the world would recover from the .recent depression, said Lord McGowan, addressing about 200 business men in Wellington to-day. He denied the suggestion that the enormous expenditure on war materials was responsible for improvements in trade, and said that the money spent on armaments would have caused a great forward movement in commerce if it could have been directed into reproductive channels. Apart from Spain, there was less political tension to-day than there had been for some time.

“I do not believe in the probability of war,” he declared. “What did the last horrible war accomplish? Looking round the world to-day, one would say in truth—nothing in victory, neither to the victor nor the vanquished. The relations of certain countries in the world are worse than they) were before August 1914. What a terrible, what a devastating criticism of our 20th century civilisation ! With the nations again arming to the teeth, it looks like a return to the days of barbarism, but this should not occur—it must not occur—and I believe the greatest hope that war may not recur for a long period will depend on Britain’s efficiency in the air and in her army and navy.

“When Britain is properly equipped in these services she will then hold the balance of power, and we shall find that countries disposed to war will think twice before engaging in it, knowing on which side Britain will throw her might,” he added.