Unilateral Disarmament

Dominion, Volume 30, Issue 45, 17 November 1936, Page 11

Unilateral Disarmament

Sir, —That Britain lias ever followed a policy of “unilateral disarmament” as an example to the other nations is a myth that dies hard. We have become used to hearing members o£ the Navy League and other bigger armaments publicists talk of it. We do not take them seriously, because they rarely attempt any proof of their assertion, and there is so much proof to the contrary. It is surprising, however, to find you, in your leader of November 11, apparently accepting the myth as true. You write : “Britain's policy of disarmament by example failed for lack of emulators.” Would you produce some evidence to show that any disarming, in the sense of a voluntary sacrifice of her security as an example to others, has ever been done by Britain? You also say that Britain's “policy of peace through security, based on collective action,” failed because “the signatories to the system were not prepared unanimously to fight for the vindication of the League Covenant.” Do you imply that the failure of the League has been no fault of Britain’s? You appear to, otherwise you would hardly be claiming that she has pursued “a policy of peace through security based on collective action.” Would you likewise produce some evidence to show that Britain has at any time given unequivocal support to the League Covenant? —I am, etc., W. J. SCOTT. Karori, November 13.