ITS AIMS AND AMBITIONS

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 109, 4 November 1926, Page 11

ITS AIMS AND AMBITIONS

FOUNDATION OF WORLD'S PEACE

EMPIEE LEADEES SPEAK,

(United Press Association.—Copyright.) LONDON, 2nd November. The aims and ambitions of the League of Nations Union were expounded at its dinner at the Hotel Cecil in honour of the Imperial Conference British and Dominion delegates. Major J. W. Hills, M.P., presided. Viscount Grey of Fallodon, in proposing the toast of "The League of Nations," said the root cause of the Great War was the condition of things which had been growing up for genorations in Europe. If such a position recurred the result would be the same. The League prevented the nations falling into separate opposing groups, and would consummate its work when Eussia reached normal condition and entered its ranks. British public opinion was not asking the Dominions to undertake special obligations regarding European questions, or even to share the British Government's obligations regarding the Locarno Pact. To undertake such obligations half-heartedly would be to take a step towards disintegration, "but the British policy in Europe should be explained continuously in every part of the Empire. We should make certain that our future allies were such as observed the Covenant, while our enemies were those who tried to destroy the League. That was Britain's policy to-day." EUROPEAN DIFFICULTIES. Mr. J. E. Clynes, in supporting the toast, mentioned the records of Viscount Grey himself, who nevertheless was united in the same great cause a3 the League, from which a miracle must not be expected. Therefore Sir Austea Chamberlain must not loso heart. All that could be done was to lay the foundation of the world's peace. If capitalism tended to conflict therewith, that was all the more reason for the League to restrain its evil tendencies. Mr. Bruco echoed. Viscount Grey's hopes regarding Eussia, saying that surely England could have a foreign policy outside of European difficulties. That "was the natural view to be taken by those so far from Europe as the Dominions were. Surely a solution was to be found inside the League of Nations. Mr. Lapointe announced that Canada stood loyally by the League. EEBUCTION OF ARMAMENTS. Viscount Cecil, in proposing the toast "Overseas Visitors," pointed out that he was, the only man living who had represented the Mother Country and the Dominions at the League of Nations Assembly. The reduction of armaments, he said, "will be a task demanding all our energies. It can be accomplished only if the Empire and all its delegations earnestly support it." Mr. Coates urged the importance of educational work throughout tho world, inculcating the League's ideals. He hoped tho United States would accept membership. New Zealand would afford the League every encouragement. Sir Alan Cobham spoko from the viewpoint of aviation. Ho contended that it would greatly help the League. If aviation had existed a thousand years ago there would bo no frontiers' and no differences of language to-day. Lack of intercourse caused most of the international grievances. Aviation, by bringing the countries together, would help to fulfil the League's aims.