The Auckland Star WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, The Echo and The Sun. TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 1934. FEELING AGAINST WAR.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 149, 26 June 1934, Page 6

The Auckland Star WITH WHICH ARE INCORPORATED The Evening News, Morning News, The Echo and The Sun.

TUESDAY, JUNE 26, 1934. FEELING AGAINST WAR.

.For Me ce«Bs that lacks assistance, For the wrong that needs resistance, For the future in the distance, And the good thai tic ecti ds

So keen is the feeling against war that an increasing; number of people are beginning to think that it would be better to take all risks in the cause of peace rather than seek protection in increased armaments. This view has been voiced by Bishop Barnes, who would have Britain disarm and trust for safety to 'a policy of international righteousness. Yet the risk of peace might very well involve the risks of war. A weak nation might tempt invasion. There is also the matter of international obligations to be considered. Article VIII. of the League Covenant states that the maintenance of peace requires the reduction of national armaments to the lowest point "consistent with national safety and the enforcement by common action of international obligations." The League contemplates armed action against an aggressor nation as a last resort. Even economic sanctions involve the risk of war.

The growing feeling against war must be translated into definite, work for peace if it is to bear fruit. France insists on security before disarmament, and until nations feel secure they will not throw away their weapons of defence. Britain has endeavoured to give security to both France and Germany by the Locarno Pact, but the value of this security depends on Britain being in a position to give the promised aid in the event of aggression. There is the strongest possible feeling in all civilised communities against murder and robbery, but this would not justify them in disbanding their police forces. To do so would be to invite the very crimes they abhor. So in the international sphere there is need of "keeping" the peace, and protecting the weak against the strong and the unscrupulous. Bishop Barnes has mentioned the maintenance of order in India during the transition period. This very maintenance involves the use of armed force where necessary. Britain has set an example in disarmament, but other nations have failed to follow suit. She is entitled to armaments "consistent with national safety." More than that she has never demanded. It is for other nations to show a similar spirit, and to work for the peace that is so ardently desired.