BRITAIN’S FOREIGN POLICY

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 190, 14 May 1928, Page 9

BRITAIN’S FOREIGN POLICY

EGYPT AND THE TREATY AGAINST WAR

SPEECH BY MR. LLOYD " GEORGE (United Frees Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) London, May 11. In the House of Commons Mr. Lloyd George said that the impression left on his mind by Mr. Ramsay MacDonald’s speech regarding Britain’s Egyptian policy was that if Mr. MacDonald had been Foreign Minister he would have done the same in Egypt as Sir Austen Chamberlain. The only question to decide is: “Do we mean to remain in Egypt?” If so, we must discharge our obligations. He had yet to learn that any section of the Commons proposed that we should clear out of Egypt. It was a corridor country like Panama. It divided the British Empire. During the war the Indian, Australian and New Zealand troops came through Egypt. If we had not taken charge of Egypt another country would have done so. With regard to America, Mr. Lloyd George was not sure whether Sir Austen Chamberlain was making some reservations, but with Sir. MacDonald he thought this would be a mistake. After Mr. Kellogg’s speech there was no point in reservations. Mr. Kellogg made it clear that acceptance of the proposed treaty outlawing war would ’not interfere with our obligations under the Locarno Treaty or the League of Nations. “When Sir Austen Chamberlain makes a declaration,” said Mr. Lloyd George, “let him make a British declaration and speak in the name of Britain and the Empire. I think it would have the greatest effect on the whole world in general.” (Cheers.) Mr. G. Locker-Lampson (Under-Sec-retary for Foreign Affairs) said that communications with the Dominions were being made by telegraph. He hoped the result would be known in a few days. The debate was adjourned. CANADA’S ATTITUDE TO TREATY (Australian Press Assn.—United Service.) Ottawa, May 11. The Minister of Justice (Mr. La Pointee), referring to the Kellogg proposals in the Canadian House of Commons to-day, stated that any move toward promoting peace would be favourably considered by the Canadian Government.

Canadian participation in the proposed treaty to outlaw war is under discussion between Ottawa and London. decision has not been reached, but the Premier will make a statement in the Canadian Parliament next week.