FAILURE OF SANCTIONS

Evening Star, Issue 22369, 19 June 1936, Page 9

FAILURE OF SANCTIONS

BRITAIN FAVOURS WITHDRAWAL I STILL FAITH IK LEAGUE STATEMENT BY FOREIGN SECRETARY (British Official Wireless.) Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright. RUGBY, June 18. (Received June 19, at noon.) Before a House crowded in every part for his statement on tho Govern ment’s policy at tho forthcoming League meeting the. Foreign Secretary announced this afternoon that while ready to take part in whatever action might be collectively determined His Majesty’s Government had decided for its part that there was no utility in the continuation of sanctions against Italy. fie added the assurance that the Government would devote itself to restoring tho League to its full authority. „ In a later stage in' his speecli Mr Eden referred to the efforts of successive British Governments to bring about reconciliation between Prance and Germany, and to the situation created by Germany’s repudiation of her Locarno obligations on March 7. He said the British Government in the present circumstances felt justified in looking for an early reply from Herr Hitler’s Government to the inquiries recently addressed to it. The Foreign Secretary said the Government welcomed the opportunity of makjng plain its attitude on a number of problems confronting the League of Nations, upon which the League States together would have to reach decision before the close of the month. From tho beginning of the Italo-Ethiopian dispute the British Government had taken full part in collective action. It might be argued that the collective action should have been more complete, Mr Eden said, countering interruptions from the Opposition, but none could deny that the British Government had played its full part. “ It will continue to do so,” he said. “We shall act fully and loyally in line with jiny section tho Assembly may decide upon.” The Government might, if it cared, Mr Eden went on, have left it at that, but at a period of difficulty in the League’s history that would not in its view, nor he believed in the view of the British* people, be a very heroic course The Government had a responsibility to its fellow members of the League, not only for compliance with collective decisions, but for guidance in reaching them. The Foreign Secretary traversed the initiatives which tho British Government had taken at successive crises while the dispute had been before the League, and declared that it would not be right at this time of perplexity to shirk the duty of giving a lead. “ I am quite convinced,” he said, “ that so far from the lead we are going to give embarrassing others, it will be welcomed in many quarters.” Turning to the question of what the League should do in the present circumstances, Mr Eden said that the fact had got to be faced that the sanctions imposed had not realised the purpose for which they were applied. Abyssinia was in Italian military occupation, and so far as he was aware, no Abyssinian Government survived in any part of Abyssinia. It could not be expected that continuation of the existing measures •of economic pressure would restore the position in Abyssinia.

Nothing but military action from outside could possibly do that, and so far as he knew, no other Government, and certainly not the British Government, was prepared to take such military action.

To maintain the existing sanctions without any clearly defined purpose would only result in the crumbling of the sanctions front, so that in a short time the League would be confronted with a state of affairs even more derogatory to its authority than that which it faced to-day. In these circumstances, “ His Alajesty’s Government, after mature consideration, and on advice which. 1, as Foreign Secretary, thought it my duty to give, has come to the conclusion that there is no longer any utility in continuing these measures as a means of pressure upon Italy.”

Though the League had not availed to prevent the successful accomplishment of violation of the Covenant, the Government did not regret, Mr Eden emphasised, nor did ho believe that fellow League members regretted having made the attempt. For that they had nothing to apologise, and nothing to retract, nor was there any question, in the British Government’s view, of the judgment passed by the League last autumn on an act of aggression being either modified or reversed. Before proceeding further to consider future action of the League the Foreign Secretary made an important declaration on mutual assistance among the Covenant-enforcing States. lie recalled the reciprocal assurances exchanged last December under paragraph 3, Article 16, of the Covenant between the Governments of certain Mediterranean Powers, including His Majesty's Government, and said that, in view of the latter, which view it proposed to state at Geneva as a contribution to confidence, those assurances should not end with the raising of sanctions if the Assembly decided to raise sanctions, but should continue during the period of uncertainty which must necessarily follow. Mr Eden added that in the light of experience of recent months the Government had determined that it was necessary that Britain should maintain permanently in the Mediterranean a.

defensive position stronger than that which existed before the dispute between Italy and Ethiopia broke out.® In tho middle part of his speech, which was the subject of some interruption at times from tho Opposition benches, tho Foreign Secretary discussed the future of the League, which, he said, needed to be earnestly and urgently considered by all its members. He must make it plain, he declared, that the Government was determined that the League should go on. The fact that it had tried and failed to arrest aggression was * a reason not for regretting the attempt, but for seeking so to organise it that it should have a better chance to succeed hereafter, and with that object the lesson of the last few months had got to be analysed. PEACE IN EUROPE, Mr Eden continued that in tho interval before the ordinary Assembly in September each League Government ought to be engaged in a study of the shortcomings, weaknesses, and dangers revealed by experience. His Majesty’s Government was so engaged most actively, and was already in close consultation with the dominions on the subject. It was the intention of His Majesty’s Government to make tho most constructive and timely contribution in its power to, the consideration of this question at the Assembly in September. He would give this definite assurance: “Tho Government will strive to restore to/the League its full authority after this set-back, which we admit, and to that end wo propose to devote ourselves.”

Referring to Germany, Mr Eden said successive British Governments had long stood for the policy of re-establish-ing good relations between Germany and her enemies in the last war on the basis of Germany’s equality and independence of others, as well as of respect for engagements undertaken. Tho 'collaboration of Germany was indispensable to the peace of Europe, and British Governments had asked nothing better than to work with Germany to that end. Mr Eden said the reoccupatiou of the Rhineland had aroused tho utmost anxiety and disquiet in Belgium and France and among the countries in a great part of Europe. In those circumstances the policy of the Government had been to seek to calm the anxiety and then promote a situation in which considered reflection and careful negotiation might be possible. Unfortunately the German Government had felt unable to make any spontaneous contribution towards restoration of confidence.

Speaking of tho inquiries designed to elucidate tho German proposals, the Foreign Secretary argued that it was important for Britain and Europe to be assured that Germany now felt that the point had been reached at which she could signify that she recognised and undertook to respect the existing territorial and political status of Europe, except as it might subsequently be modified by free negotiation and agreement. A frank and reassuring response to that question, he was sure, would be the signal for returning confidence in Europe. ’ What was the Government’s policy for keeping peace ? asked Air- Lloyd George. Was it to emasculate the League of Nations and to rely on pacts, and in tho words of the Chancellor of tho Exchequer, “to limit tho danger zone,” and to murk out beforehand a potential enemy ? Was it the policy of the Government to arm to the teeth in desperation because it knew no other way out? As surely as night followed day war must follow that suicidal policy. Mr Stanley Baldwin repudiated the Opposition’s charges of treachery to the electorate. Tho Government was taking k line which it knew would bo repugnant to large sections of tho British people because in the present state of Europe it was honestly and firmly convinced that it was the wiser of the two courses open to it, and tho one most conducive to peace. The debate was continued by tho Leader of the Opposition. ANGRY SCENES IN HOUSE LABOUR MEMBER GOHDEMIiS POLICY LONIAON, June 18. (Received June 19, at 12.25 p.m.) The Italian and German Ambassadors were present in the House. Mr Eden was frequently interrupted by cries from tho Opposition of “ Resign!’’ “Shame!” “Sit down!” and “ Sabotage!” Mr A. Greenwood (Lab.), following Mr Eden, said a no more deplorable speech had ever fallen from the lips of a Foreign Minister. There was no word of sympathy for a broken nation and no word of condemnation for the Power that deliberately organised poison gas. The speech meant truckling to a dictator. Alillions would hoar it with shamo and consternation. Air Greenwood " compared the member of the Government’s past speeches with his jiresent performance, and said he had betrayed his election manifesto and had committed the biggest act of political treachery in the country’s history. He added that unless the House was given an emphatic denial it would have no alternative but to believe that tho Government’s policy included limitation of tho League’s powers and reversion to regional pacts. Angry scenes were evoked by Air Greenwood’s denunciation of the Government for “ dispensing with the League’s one effective weapon.” Alinisterial benches shorted: “ Will you go to war?” and Labour members cried: “ Order!”

A Conservative attempted to put the question formally, and met with cries of “ Sit down!” Earl Wintcrton sarcastically shouted: “Brave Socialists!” Another Conservative told Labour members: “ It isn’t you who will do the fighting, but us.”

A Labour member retaliated; “ You’ll get a staff job, I suppose.”-

When the House quietened Mr Greenwood said lie d' it believe that war was the only thiuo: lolt. Economic and financial sanctions, if properly applied. would bring any nation to its knees. MR LLOYD GEORGE'S SPEECH BRITAIN'S POLICY WOULD SMASH LEAGUE LONDON, June 18. (Received June 19, at 12.50 p.m.) Mr Lloyd George said if the Government was going to Geneva to say they wore beaten, that the League had failed, and that it would not propose further sanctions, it would be the end of the authority of the League. Mr Eden’s predecessor, Sir Samuel Hoare, had had the decency to resign when his policy was thrown over. Mr Lloyd George continued that he had been in the House for nearly half a century and had never before heard a British Minister holding the next most important position to the Prime Minister say that Britain was beaten. “ There will be international anarchy the moment this is known,” he said. “It is no use Mr Eden saying ho is going to Geneva to reconstruct and reform the League. No nation has refused to uphold sanctions. The ranks of the League are not broken. Mr Eden is going to Geneva to break them and to smash tho League. I wish he had left it to somebody else. Abyssinia has not been conquered.” Mr Lloyd George asked France’s attitude, and Mr Eden replied that the new French Government said it was not prepared to take the initiative in raising sanctions, but was anxious to work with Britain. The French Government had not given an indication of a desire to maintain sanctions or that it would support further sanctions.

Mr Lloyd George proceeded: “ British prestige abrqad was never lower. Fifty nations will never trust this crowd again. To-night wc have had a cowardly surrender, and there are the cowards.” Mr Lloyd George stood pointing at Ministers. Mr Lloyd George declared in ringing tones that the danger of war was less now than when sanctions were imposed. The Fleet then was unprepared and ill-equipped. Moreover, France’s attitude, which, under M. Laval, was hostile to sanctions, had now changed. Spain’s attitude was also different. “ Tho whole of the Mediterranean Powers except Italy were ready to support you, yet you are running away.” The Government’s cry was; “Wo have failed, therefore we have funked,” but why had Italy’s foreign trade dwindled over half? If the increasing strain had been kept up for another year terms could have been made with Mussolini. THE OPPOSITION LIBERALS LONDON, June 18. (Received June 19, at 2 p.m.) Sir Archibald Sinclair, on behalf of tho Opposition Liberals, also tabled a motion against the dropping of sanctions. MR BALDWIN EXPLAINS POSITION QUESTION OF COLLECTIVE SECURITY LONDON, June 18. (Received Juno 19, at 1 p.m.) When Mr Lloyd George sat down the back benchers rose. Labour members cried: “We want Mr Baldwin, the Prime Minister,” thereupon he arose. He claimed that in his speeches he had stressed tho tentative nature of sanctions and collective security. He was convinced that the League in the autumn, must consider tho whole question of collective security. The views stated by Mr Eden had the unanimous support of the Government, which was honestly convinced that they represented the wiser of two courses. It was necessary that the League and Europe should make up their minds whether they were prepared to put forces in a condition to support League states against an aggressor. “ 1 feel convinced that among tho common people in many countries, in Europe, hero, and in France, there is such a loathing of war, not from fear, but from the knowledge of what it may moan, that I sometimes wonder if they would march unless they believed their own frontiers were in danger. Were Britain threatened every man would spring to arms, but a good deal ■of education might be needed before they would consent to undertake all tho obligations of the Covenant. If war came nearer than the Mediterranean people would pay in the first night with their lives. The first blow might come from the air. I do not sec how or when tho opportunity will come, but we are hoping to bring Franco and Germany and ourselves into a conference for the peace of Europe.” Major Attlee said: “ Peace will never bo obtained by running away and shaking like a jelly at every dictator who shakes his fist at you. The Government is not piling up arms for peace, but is leading the country hack to the blood-stained track of war.”

The debate was adjourned. Major Attlee gave notice of motion—- “ That the Government, by lack of a resolute, straightforward foreign policy, has lowered the prestige of the country, weakened the League of Nations, imperilled peace, and thereby forfeited the confidence of the House.”

CANADA IN LINE WITH ERITAIM

OTTAWA, Juno 18, (Received Juno 19, at 1.5 p.m.)

Delegates to the September meeting of the League will he instructed to support the movement for lifting sanctions. The I’rimo Minister announced in the House of Commons that Canada’s policy had boon that sanctions should be applied, but had reserved the right of-Parliament to speak before

military sanctions were applied. r..e Government took special steps to see that Canadian nickel did not reach Italy, but it had been a difficult matter because of indirect shipments to the United Kingdom and the United States. EARLIER MESSAGES DISCONTINUANCE FORECAST LONDON, Juno 17. Tho Cabinet, as expected, has decided upon its sanctions policy. Political writers agree that tho Foreign Secretary (Mr Eden) to-morrow will announce that the Government favours a discontinuance as early as possible. The ‘ Daily Mail’s ’ political correspondent says that Mr Eden, before the Cabinet, told Mr Baldwin that he did not intend to resign. Mr Eden read to the Cabinet the statement that he will make to-morrow, which is on the lines of Mr Chamberlain’s speech. It admits the failure of sanctions to end war, and states that for that reason there would be no wisdom in continuing them. The Cabinet made several alterations to the manuscript, A meeting of members of the House of Commons and others held in the House of Commons, including Labour members and publicists, passed a resolution in favour of tho maintenance of sanctions until Italy is ready to agree to a settlement of the Abyssinian question acceptable to the League and in conformity with tho Covenant. The Homo correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says: “ It is authoritatively declared that Italy will regard the raising of sanctions as sufficient to enable her to resume European collaboration. It would be considered proof of a recognition that an error had been committed.” This statement was made on the score of alleged erroneous interpretations of Italy’s attitude by the correspondent. It is impossible to obtain a definite assurance that the lifting of sanctions would be followed by an immediate lifting of Italian counter-sanctions. On tho contrary, though it is admitted that the raising of sanctions by the Powers would introduce a new spirit into the situation, it was made clear that Italy intends to pursue the policy of economic self-sufficiency on which she has embarked. AUSTRALIA'S OPINION ABANDONMENT FAVOURED. CANBERRA, June 18. The Prime Minister (Mr Lyons) announced to-night that instructions had been sent to the High Commissioner (Mr S. M. Bruce) to declare in favour of the abandonment of sanctions when the League meets on June 30, ALL EYES ON WESTMINSTER LONDON, June 18. (Received June 19, at 1.30 a.m.) Not since the debate leading to the resignation of Sir Samuel Hoare has Westminster been the centre of such European attention. It is generally considered abroad that the House of Commons decisions this afternoon will decide the course of European policy. The ‘ Morning Post’s ’ diplomatic correspondent understands that the principal cause of Cabinet’s decision is the increasing truculence of Germany. It is understood that Sir Robert Vansittart informed the French Ambassador that the possibility of a rapprochement with Germany was more remote than ever. If GERMANY’S CYNICAL DETACHMENT LONDON, June 18. (Received June 19, at 1.30 a.m.) The Berlin correspondent of ‘ The Times ’ says Germany is watching Westminster with cynical detachment. There is little chance that Nazi foreign policy will fulfil British hopes, as it seems to be tending more in the direction of expansion at the expense of the States in Eastern Europe, SOUTH AFRICA'S ATTITUDE LONDON, June 18. (Received June 19, at 1.30 a.m.) The Johannesburg ‘ Daily Mail’s ’ correspondent says that with sanctions disappear the last vestige of international respect for the pledge of any nation. It is a consolation to recr/1 that South Africa, when national selfrespect was renounced, fought to retain her own, regardless of tho consequences, FREE STATE AGAINST CONTINUANCE DUBLIN, June 18. (Received June 19, at 10.5 a.m.) Mr Do Valera declared in the Dail that sanctions had failed and must go, adding that tho League no longer commanded the confidence of the people of the world.

' Mr Do Valera added that it would be madness to remain a member of it.