WORLD AFFAIRS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 35, 11 February 1935, Page 7

WORLD AFFAIRS.

GEN. SMUTS 5 ADDRESS.

Danger Developing Around

The Pacific.

EFFICACY OF LEAGUE. (United P.A.—Electric Telegraph—Copyright) CAPETOWN", February 10. As General Smuts' doctors had forbidden him to attend the inaugural meeting of the International Affairs Institute, "which was attended by the delegates to the Imperial Press Conference, his address was read by Mr. P. Duncan, Minister of Mines. The most striking feature of the post-war period, said the address, was* the rapid expansion of international relations which would produce farreaching changes in the near future, even in the Dominions. The most significant features of world relations were the vast national experiments in Russia, Italy and Germany. General Smuts characterised the League of Nations as a pathway to destiny which could not be deserted without disaster. He advocated an Eastern Locarno between Germany and Russia, and Danubian and Balkan Locarnos. These, he said, would be halfway houses to a future all-embracing and collective peace system which would follow the disappearance of the fear complex. Arms Reduction Necessary. However, General Smuts emphasised that security should never be given without a reduction of armaments. He regarded the decay of the spirit of political liberty in Europe and the situation developing in the Far East as potential dangers. He believed these movements were born of the neurosis of war misery, but if they were permanent lie foresaw a very stormy era and a major political and economic setback.

Japan's action in Manchuria was profoundly disturbing. Her denunciation of the Washington Naval Treaty was still more significant, and there was. now a serious risk that the Pacific would become a danger spot involving Japan, Russia, China, the United States, Britain and even the Dominions. Co-operation between the United States and Britain was essential for the peace of the world. In an inspiring peroration General Smuts said he believed Europe and America were ripe for a great change and would respond readily to wise and courageous leadership. Perhaps the hour had struck for Europe to regain her lost leadership and once more to become the bulwark of civilisation and enduring peace.