TRAFFIC IN ARMS

Evening Star, Issue 21880, 17 November 1934, Page 15

TRAFFIC IN ARMS

PROBLEM OF RESTRICTION BRITAIN LEADS THE WAY (British Official Wireless.) Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. RUGBY, November 16. (Received Nov. 17, at 1.30 p.m.) Mr J. H. Thomas, in a speech at Newport, said that neither directly nor indirectly was there any secret agreement which involved Britain in any commitment on the Continent of Europe. They were faced with many difficulties, and elements were abroad over Europe which created a war spirit—namely, suspicion, illwill, and mistrust—but he saw no warrant or justification for " the war talk now prevalent. Dealing with the question of traffic in arms, Mr Thomas said he appreciated the anxiety felt on the subject. Britain, however, was the only country which had a licensing system for the export of armaments, by means of which effective Government control could be exercised, and to his knowledge millions of pounds’ worth of orders in the last three years had in consequence of this system been refused. They also refused, and would continue to refuse, Government credit of any kind to the manufacture of armaments. He wished other nations would follow Britain’s example. He would welcome an inquiry into the situation regarding the private manufacture and national control of armaments. He believed it would show results of which they had no reason to feel ashamed.