THE PATH OF PEACE

Evening Star, Issue 19352, 11 September 1926, Page 6

THE PATH OF PEACE

LOCARNO SPIRIT MANIFESTED GOODWILL EXPRESSED Brea* Association— By Telegrnph~Copyrigbl GENEVA, September 10. (Received September 11, at 11 a.m.) Dr Slresemann expressed heartfelt fbanks for the reception accorded to Germany. “It has taken n long lime,” he said, “to overcome the difficulti« regarding her admittance. We are mm entering into close co-operation with our one-time opponents--a step which is perhaps the most important ever taken.” Dr Stresemann urged oooperation in the spirit of Locarno. He read his speech in German in a loud, clear voice, and the French translation was read out directly Dr Stresemann left the rostrum, and the English version followed. The various nationals applauded loudly, and each laid great stress on the importance of disarmament and the Permanent Court of International Justice. Dr Stresemann added that the fact that Germany was again among the nations with whom she waged war proved that the League was capable of directing the political development of mankind along new channels. Tho surest foundation of peace was a policy of mutual respect and understanding. Even before her entry into tho League Germany had proved her desire for such co-operation by taking the initialivo which led the way to Locarno. Ho regretted tho absence of Spain and Brazil, and hoped that they would soon rejoin it. Dr Stresemann concluded: “The League must achiev« universality, embracing all nations on a basis of equality. Germany is determined to adopt this ideal as a basil for her policy. We belong to peoples who are seeking to emerge to the light from outer darkness. May the League’! work be based on ideals of peace, freedom, and unity, to which we pledg-i our earnest devotion.”' M. Briand said the war spirit must evermore be discarded in the League’s activities. He said he was profoundly convinced that Brazil and Spain would return to the fold, and he assured Dr Stresemann of France’s whole-hearted jco-operation. Franco and Germany had put the bloody encounters of tin battlefield behind them, and would leave tho future difficulties to that justice of the peace, tho League of Nations. The League’s work must be carried on in broad daylight, with co-operation among all nations, in which France would loyally assist. M. Briand paid a tribute to Dr Strcsemann’s and Sir Austei Chamberlain’s labors, which made Lo carno possible. M. Briand stressed the fact thaf only a few years had elapsed since tin most frightful war convulsed the world The battlefields were still saturated with blood, but tho opposing nations were now' meeting in that peaceful assembly, desiring to collaborate in universal peace. France and Germany had no need to show' anv more of tho heroism which both had proved in war. “Wc have won our glory. Our future together is for peace and brotherhood,’ ho added, turning to Dr Stroscmaun. “If you were here only as a German and 1 as a Frenchman the agreement would not ho easy, but as members of a great body like the League all will go well. Henceforth our patli is one of peace and progress. Arbitration spells peace.”