ARMS AND THE NATIONS.

Press, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20648, 10 September 1932, Page 15

ARMS AND THE NATIONS.

VITAL IMPORTANCE OF PEACE. MR HENDERSON SPEAKS OF GERMAN DEMANDS. (BIIITISH OFPICIAL WiaELKSS.) RUGBY, September 8. Mr Arthur Henderson (who was chairman of the Disarmament Con- ; ferenee). in a speech at the Trade Union Congress, said that the Labour movement had long 'recognised the vital importance of peace, and had endeavoured to secure a reduction in' ihe numbers and equipment of all armed forces and in the expenditure ' upon them by international agreement. While agreeing that there were legitimate grounds for disappointment in thfij results so far at the ' Geneva Couference, he could not accept it as a failure, when the complex character of the problems was remembered. Having reviewed the positive: achievements of the ' conference, he ■declared that they did v hot justify ! them in saying that it had failed. He 1 added that the value of a great deal - i of the preparatory work already done i would be seen when the conference .•uras: i resumed. "■•', ' ■■■' , Referring to Germany's equality s claim, he said that the suggestion had I been made that Germany might leave r the Disarmament Conference. This course, if followed, wouhi" mean disaster. It would lead certainly to a renewal and even intensification of the olds competitive' rate in aTmaments. n Mr Wrtderson appealed to: the Alt lied aiid associated Powers to briiiff forward a . practical programme for a • substantial and comprehensive reduo"tion of arms, including weapons of _an especially offensive character, which • were/prohibited to Germany and other nations under the Treaty of Versailles.. Such a programme would make the . i settlement of the Gjerman problem considerably easier.