THE ABYSSINIAN QUESTION

Press, Volume LXXI, Issue 21578, 14 September 1935, Page 18

THE ABYSSINIAN QUESTION

DISCUSSION IN UPPER HOUSE NEW ZEALAND AND THE LEAGUE (PBESS ASSOCIATION TELEOttAM.I WELLINGTON, September 13. The dispute between Italy and Abyssinia and New Zealand's attitude in the event of war were further discussed in the Legislative Council to-day. The Hon. W. H. Mclntyre said that he did not think New Zealand was much interested in Italy's African policy, and he thought New Zealand would be well advised to ue uegged to be excused. He did not know why one man should be sent to fight to preserve the league of Nations, which was an absolute illusion. His sympathies were wUh Itaiy, which should. have the rignt to endeavour to deveiop a country which was undeveloped, and which would never be developed by the people who were at present occupying it. Similar arguments against Italy's intentions could be used against the British coming to New Zealand.

The Hon. W. Perry (Wellington) mentioned New Zealand's obligations under the League of Nations covenant, and referred to the treaties by which New Zealand was bound in relation with other nations. He also stressed the Dominion's obligations under the treaties. Should the league collapse an institution based on the hopes and prayers of millions of people would fall. There were two schools of thought about the league, one believing that it was a 'merely conciliatory body, never resorting to force and the other thinking that war could not be avoided unless the would-be aggressor was restrained by force being used against him. Mr Perry said that he Belonged most emphatically to the latter school, and he was supported in his view by the Archbishop of York.

Joint Obligations The Hon. F. Waite (Otago): What i* the other nations don't join? Mr Perry: Then I should certainly not suggest that Great Britain should be the world's policeman alone. He said that history had shown that peace had never been brought about by moral suasion. He strongly attacked the pacifists, and said that there seemed to be a division of opinion among the members of the League of Nations Union in New Zealand. The Dominion was bound by all the obligations of the covenant and it was her duty to provide her share of the force necessary .to enforce the covenant, assuming that all the signatories to the covenant agreed to enforce the sanctions. Mussolini desired the expansion of Italy, but had this position arisen in 1913, when Great Britain had a two-power navy. Great Britain would have said." "Hands off Abyssinia!" and Italy would have accepted that. Great Britain had almost thrown away her birthright by disarming, and it was doubtful whether her voice counted for much in the councils of the nations. Mr Perrv also crhV'cteed the Christian pacifists who belonged to the No More War movement. The doctrine of Christian pacifism, he said, was subversive to a free democracy such as New Zealand was. If the League of Nations failed the race for armaments would be intensified. He emphasised the urgent need for adequate naval and military defence in New Zealand. The council adjourned at 4.15 p.m. until Wednesday next.