OUTLAWING WAR.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19286, 16 April 1928, Page 9

OUTLAWING WAR.

AMERICAN PROPOSAL. NOTES SENT TO POWERS. SYMPATHY IN BRITAIN. (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—BY ELECTRIC TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.)

WASHINGTON, April 13. Despite French opposition to sweeping and unqualified renunciation of war, the United States to-day proposed that the six great world Powers and other interested Governments -join in a treaty forever outlawing war of every description, as amongst themselves. This proposal is embodied in a Note, copies of which were simultaneously delivered by American Ambassadors to Foreign Offices in London, Berlin, Rome, and Tokio.

Accompanying the communication was a preliminary draft of the Pact, "representing in a general way the form of Treaty which the Government of the United States is prepared to sign." In brief, the draft is a simple declaration, by which the signatories would condemn recourse to war for the solution of international controversies and renounce it as an. instrument of national policy in their relations to one another*—Australian Press Association.

DIFFICULTIES. A CAUTIOUS RECEPTION. (Received April 16th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 14. Responsible Ministers are more critical than "British Official Wireless" regarding the United States proposal for the abolition of war. The "Daily Telegraph" says that the Powers are bound to ask themselves whether the whole system of safeguarding peace, of which the Covenant of the League of Nations is the foundation, shall be overthrown if the American formula is accepted, and will there be an end of certain definite commitments by which most of the Powers are at present bound? Their entrance into these commitments has been regarded hitherto as a high and substantial guarantee of peace. The "Telegraph's" diplomatic correspondent points out that a prompt reply is asked for, but Britain will have to consult the Dominions as to what specific modification, if any, would b*e required in the case of the Empire. The "Morning Post" asks whether, if France were to dream again of an Empire in Central or South America, would the United States submit such an issue to independent-arbitration? The "Post" adds: "Air civilised nations desire peace, especially after the bitter experiences of the Great War. If there is any hesitation in accepting these amiable overtures it is because no Government desires, to enter into engagements which it could not keep without peril to the interests of its own people." The "Daily Chronicle" says that the real difficulty lies in special treaties existing, between European countries, and having behind them military conventions. Here Prance is in a peculiarly awkward position. Her policy during many years has been based on. a network of, alliances contracted with individual Stateß.—Australian Press Association, United Service.

DESIRE FOR WORLD PEACE. LONDON, April 13. The American Note to. Britain sftyS that.the British, German, Italian, and Japanese Governments each has the opportunity to decide to what extent existing commitments constitute, a bar to participation in the pact.. The preamble to the proposed treaty says that the..rulers of the United States, Prance, Britain, Germany, Italy, and Japan are deeply sensible that their high office imposes on them a duty to promote mankind's welfare.and, inspired with £he desire to perpetuate peaceful relations and prevent war throughout the world, are hopeful that other nations will join in that humane endeavour by adhering to the treaty. . The articles provide for the condemnation of war as a solution to international controversies and for pacific settlement of all disputes, whatever their origin or nature. —Australian Press Association, United Service.

DOMINIONS MUST BE ASKED,

(Received April 15th, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, April 14. In Sir Austen Chamberlain's absence, official comment on America's anti-war Note is not given, but it is semi-official: ly stated that it will demand the most careful scrutiny, though the principle underlying the Note will be warmly welcomed, because it accords with Britain's settled after-war policy. British consideration, may be prolonged, not owing to lukewarmness, but because the Dominions must be consulted.—Australian Press Association.

ENGLISH PUBLIC OPINION. (BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.) EUGBY, April 13. Public opinion fully recognises the importance of American readiness to enter into an agreement outlawing war. The proposal is assured of the most careful and sympathetic consideration by tho British Government. It is recognised that a treaty on the lines of the American proposal might be so drafted as not to conflict with the obligations of States that are members of the League of Nations, but to accord fully with the principles underlying the Covenant, and the adherence of the Great Powers, including the United States of America, to such an instrument would greatly strengthen the moral- conscience of the world.