PEACE OF THE WORLD

Evening Star, Issue 19725, 28 November 1927, Page 5

PEACE OF THE WORLD

“ NO MORE WAR ” CONFERENCE IN LONDON FEARS OF PRESENT DRIFT TOWARDS WAR. LIVELY CLOSING SCENES. Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. LONDON, November 25. Disarmament has overshadoAved every subject in England for Avccks. Viscount Cecil’s statement in the House of Lords anent his resignation aroused some misgivings as to the Government’s programme, and Avas largely responsible lor Labor's attack in ‘the House of Commons. On the contrary, the reduction of the British cruiser programme finds a responsive echo in America, Avhore it is regarded as a handsome gesture ol conciliation, together Avith tho Earl of Baltour’s declaration that the Naval Conference avus interrupted, bub not ended. Tlic Disarmament Conference at Geneva during tho coming week is expected to produce the plainest speaking yet beard in that connection. It is more than a coincidence that a “no more Avar” conference lias been held in London during the Aveek, and prominent leaders did not disguise thoii fears of the present drift towards war, Signor Nitti emphasised the tact that, even alloAving for the disarmament of tho defeated nations—Germany, Austria, Hungary, and Bulgaria —Europe had 1,000,000 more armed men than before the Avar. Though Genova discussed disarmament, armaments continued, and tho spirit ot peace did not exist, though there Avas not hatred. People were dragged to Avar bv bidden forces. M. De Jouvoncl, in a message to the conference, said: “1 look ionvard to 1995 with the dread that those who conducted the peace negotiations built up a structure that Avould be good ior hi teen years, but ivhat is fifteen years? 1 repeat that 1935 is the crucial year. France will then have her minimum strength, and will have lost the protection afforded by the occupation of the Rhine. J hope Avith all my heart that tho League before 1935 will have gained the authority necessary to prevent a recurrence ot war. .1 beg to make, witii the whole of my poor (lowers, an appeal to my British friends lor peace. America wanted to remain isolated in 1911, but could not; neither can Britain, separated by a narrow frontier channel, Avith London entirely at the mercy of air raids. Whether wo want or do not want to bo mutually concerned we must be.” He concluded by expressing the opinion that in tho event of another European Avar America, would not be on the same side as England. General Von Sciiocniach, described as tho idol of the German militarist Press during the war, said that the danger did not come from German militarism or nationalism, but from tlic big owners of important raw materials. “ When oil kings cannot agree,” lie said, ‘‘then other people must light for them.” Signor Nitti, at the close of the conference to-night, made a final appeal. Ho said: “It is for Britain to lead tiie world, because she is the sovereign among nations. If you obey the call and put all your forces at the command of a common effort lor peace success is certain.”

Thu closing scenes of the conlcrcncc were lively. M. Edo Feuunen, secretary ol' Ibe International Federation, advocated ilmt tlio last resource ol : active resistance to war should he a general strike. The consequence would probably be civil war, but it would he better to lose IUO.UUU men in that than millions in an international conllict. There was a roar ot disapproval, to which ho retorted: 11 If the sacrifice of a lew thousands would stop a great war it would bo right.” There was a thunderous roar of “ ,\o, never!” Several rose and left the hall protesting. Von Schocniach made some women gasp when ho declared that alter thirtylive year's as a soldier he also lavored a general strike. Tie said: “The next war will not bo a soldiers’ war. It will be a war on women and children in London, Paris, and Berlin. We must fight to the last against war.”

OUTLAWING WAR

PEACE BY INTERNATIONAL

AGREEMENT

PRESIDENT COOLIDGE SCEPTICAL

WASHINGTON, November 20. President Coolidge does not favor the resolutions which are expected to be introduced in the Congress proposing the outlawry of war and aiming to maintain peace by international agreement. He said: “J believe the suggested plans oiler only illusory short cuts to the goal of universal peace. The proffered plans are impracticable and unlikely to succeed because of many obstacles they are bound to meet. There is no more a short cut to peace than there is to salvation.” The arms and food embargo, be said, would involve the United States in a dispute with other nations, and lead to international recriminations that would draw the United States into a conflict. The maintenance of the traditional attitude of non-interference', excepting in unusual circumstances, was the only sure way for the United States to avoid embroilment in European allairs and the constant danger of war. Tie added: “The United States believes that whatever stops arc taken to preserve peace should be made individually, and not acting in concert with

other nation... The United States will gain little by agreeing to meet other nations in discussions on the avoidance of war.” Congress is expected, as a result ol the president’s views, to relegate the proposals to the background, and hopes for tho resolutions providing for the outlawry of war and the establishment of an international tribunal are considerably lessened. THE DIS ARM AM ENT ' CONFERENCE. SOVIET DELEGATES ARRIVE. GENEVA, November 27. (Received November 28, at 1.30 a.m.) The Soviet delegation, headed by M. Li tvinoli', has arrived, and occupies the whole of the third floor of the Hotel Do La Paix, from where there are signs of an avalanche of propaganda daily. Several hotel proprietors declined_ to accommodate tho delegation, leaving anti-Bolshevist demonstrations. Tho party includes several women, smartly dressed. It might bo supposed from M. Litvinoff’s statements that the world had never heard of tho question of disarmament before, or of tho PolishLithuanian dispute. All tho statesmen of the world need is to listen to Moscow, which can cure all ills.