FOUNDATIONS OF POLICY

Dominion, Volume 32, Issue 282, 26 August 1939, Page 11

FOUNDATIONS OF POLICY

Resistance To Force; Work For Peace STATEMENT BY LORD HALIFAX LONDON, August 24. "Now that the possibility of conflict exists we have made our position perfectly clear,” Lord Halifax said in the course of his broadcast statement. “The twin foundations of British policy are the determination to resist force and desire to push on the constructive work of building peace.- This cannot be achieved until the gospel of force is abandoned. “Adjustment of differences by negotiation instead of by force and respect for the pledged word are the principles we shall defend if trouble comes.

"We have never had, nor have we today, the 'remotest intention of a> tacking Germany. If German policy could only be directed to restoring confidence by willingness to negotiate we ask nothing better than to help her to resolve her difficulties, our own, and world problems which need a solution.”

He added that if Anglo-German misunderstanding was to be removed there must be some certainty about the future of Europe. “Therefore,” he said, “we feel obliged to resist an attempt to alter the map of Europe by force. If we fail to uphold the liberties of others we shall run the risk of betraying the principle of liberty and our freedom and independence. “I have no doubt that those on whom rests the issue of peace and war will measure their responsibilities to present and future generations before they precipitate a struggle involving many nations in Europe, the duration of which cannot be foreseen, and by which those standing aside from active participation will be vitally affected. “I feel certain that the Government's attitude will meet with the unanimous approval of the people. I have no doubt, that the whole country will support the measures we may be obliged to take in defence of the cause of just dealing between nations and the preservation of honourable freedom in the world.”