SECURITY AND PEACE

Greymouth Evening Star, 25 February 1928, Page 7

SECURITY AND PEACE

THE BRITISH PROPOSALS

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.)

GENEVA, February 24.

Lord Cushendun on behalf of the British Government again took the initiative at yesterday’s Security Conmittee’s meeting, with a definite proposition covering three vital points. This has every chance of acceptance, since it conforms to the original Bi’itish memorandum, which M. Benes in his opening speech, and the majority of subsequent speakers, virtually adopted.

Lord Cushendun proposed that the committee deciare, firstly that the League covenant itself creates a measure of security, which needs to be appreciated at full value, and its articles are capable of being applied in such a way that in- the majority of cases, they can prevent war. Secondly the common will to peace of the Council and States members can be exercised effectively within the framework of the covenant', especially since that instrument does not provide any rigid code of procedure fox’ settlement of international crisis and it is therefore inexpedient to attempt to draw up in advance, a complete list of measures fox' preserving international peace. Thirdly those nations which considex- the general measure of security afforded by the covenant is inadequate for their needs must for, the present regard the conclusion of security pacts with other States in the same geographical area, as the only practical possible fornix of supplementary guarantee. Lord Cushendun spoke strongly against what he called hankering after general security pact. He continued: The report from the Prague Committee states the conclusion of a general treaty would be difficult. Of course it would be; so why in the world should we try to draw up one? Why try to reduce all varying types of nations with theii’ different conditions and requirements to one type?” The committee was favourably impressed by the proposal which was referred to the drafting committee.. Interviewed by a “Daily Chronicle” representative regarding the Finnish proposal for an international fund for the benefit of victims ’of aggression, which Britain alone among the Great Powers is supporting, Lord Cushendun said: “It envisages the sum of fifty millions, sterling of which Britain’s share is probably seven and a-hali to ten per cent, of the total, five millions at the most. The money would be provided in the form of international loan. Countries would know that if they were guilty of aggression, the other side would have this assistance. The League Council must unanimously decide which nation is the aggressor before aid is given. SOVIET’S FREAK PROPOSALS GENEVA, February 23. The Security Committee is proceeding smoothly, the British standpoint winning over practically all others represented. The chief interest centres on the publication of the text of the Soviet disarmament scheme, which is much more detailed than last year. fl he Soviet proposes that the Powers sign a convention providing for complete world disarmament in foui’ stages. The first yeai’ would certainly be a hectic one, for in it half of all land, sea and air effectives would be disbanded, and the remainder would disappeai’ in the three following years, in equal parts. Ministries and commands would be wiped out, and all military documents burned. Acts of Parliament relating to military and kindred matters to be repealed and material scrapped. The thoroughness with which all eventualities are foreseen is shown by Article 10, which stipulates that no more military history be written. Pictures, photographs, and films of past wars must he relegated to oblivion, and no one must write about wax’ even theoretically.' When all this is done, a maritime police service is to be established for the protection of fisheries and cables, and the suppression of piracy and the slave trade, for which purpose the waters of the globe are to be divided into sixteen zones, of which the Pacific and Atlantic count foui’ each; the Indian and Arctic Oceans two each; Meditteranean, Baltic, North and Black Seas, one each. In these, what may be termed sea mandates will be created, and regional groups of States will be responsible for the allotted zones, which will be patrolled by maritime police, in vessels not exceeding 3000 tons, armed with not. more than twenty rifles or pistols. The “Daily Express’s” correspondent says it was amusing to see the delegates airily pick up a draft and begin to read. Then there came a gasp as Lord Cushendun said: “I think the proposals must be seriously and solemnly examined on theii’ merits. They should not be rejected because they come from Moscow.”