THE WAY OPEN.

Auckland Star, Volume LIX, Issue 171, 21 July 1928, Page 9

THE WAY OPEN.

WORLD PEACE PLAN. Britain And Dominions Accept U.S. Treaty. READY TO SIGN. (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) WASHINGTON, July 20. The replies of the Governments of Britain, Canada, Australia, South Africa, New Zealand and India, accepting the revised American draft of the treaty for the renunciation of war, were made public last evening. The Canadian answer, which was transmitted direct from Ottawa, says: "Canada cordially accepts the treaty as revised, and is prepared to take part in its signature." The reply from Britain, in accepting the treaty, said the Empire retained freedom of action relative to "certain regions whose welfare and integrity constitute vital interests for our peace and safety." This is locally regarded as a reference to the Suez Canal, Egypt, and India, and is an acceptable definition of self-defence. The British Foreign Minister, Sir Austen Chamberlain, said: "Britain accepts the treaty in the form proposed, and will be glad to sign at such time and place as may be indicated by the United States. The whole Empire is unable to sign any treaty which might undermine the League of Nations or the Treaty of Locarno. "It is evident that the United States treaty offers no possible conflict. I am in accord with the view that the proposed treaty will neither restrict nor impair the right of self-defence, also that each State alone is competent to decide when circumstances may necessitate recourse to war." The texts of the messages from the other parts of the Empire are substantially the same. PRESS COMMENT. REPLIES COMMENDED. Australian Press Assn. —United Service.) LONDON, July 20. The newspapers commend Sir Austen Chamberlain's reply in connection with the pact to outlaw war. The diplomatic correspondent of the "Daily Telegraph" notes that New Zealand and India are content to associate themselves with tfce Note of the British Government, while the Australian and South African Governments base their acceptance on an independent consideration of their own obligations, which are more - restricted than are Britain's.