MR. MacDONALD’S TRIP

Greymouth Evening Star, 28 September 1929, Page 7

MR. MacDONALD’S TRIP

UNITED NATION’S GOODWILL EFFORT TO MAKE HISTORY (Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 27. Mr Ramsay MacDonald, who leaves London for Southampton to-night, and will sail on the Berengaria early tomorrow morning, will take to the United States the good wishes of all his countrymen for the successful termination of his mission. The “Manchester Guardian” to-day states that the people of all parties join in the belief that the forthcoming Washington understanding of which the foundations were laid by all British parties, will be marking a date in history. The visit is to be in the nature of a concord between the two nations, and something should be settled at Washington for the Five Powers Conference problem that lies ahead, and which must be held before disarmament in earnest can be launched. The “Guardian” concludes from the absence of any naval expert in the Prime Minister’s party, that a full agreement has been reached and accepted by the British Admiralty. Those accompanying Mr MacDonald are: Sir Robert Vansittart, who is his principal private secretary, as he was to ex-Prime Minister Mr Baldwin, and who is also Under Secretary at the Foreign Office, and late head of the American Department there; Thomas Jones, who has been Deputy Secretary to the Cabinet during terms of office of the last four Prime Ministers, and Robert Craigie, present head of the American Department at the Foreign Office. The ladies of the party are Miss Ishbel MacDonald, the Prime Minister’s daughter, and his private secretary, Miss Rosenberg. The “Daily Herald” to-day, reproduces a letter from Mr MacDonald, in which the latter, referring to his inability to attend the annual conference of the Labour Party, which will take place during his absence says: “I go on a voyage of exploration. The greatest contribution which this generation can make to the history of the world is to establish peace among nations, and induce them to feel a sense of security. The United States and ourselves, having the same objects, should proclaim them with a united voice. The good and cordial relations between us two can change the outlook for peace and give the world energetic faith instead of hesitating scepticism. I go away to see what can be done, and with the help of my colleagues in the Labour movement, and of every influence making for peace, who dares to say that success is impossible?” STATEMENT TO PRESS.

Prior to his departure for the United States to-day, the Prime Minister made the following statement to the Press: “I am looking forward very much to my visit to the United States and Canada and to a renewal of old and the making of new friendships there, but of course this is an official visit and is concerned with public affairs. I do not expect my stay in Washington to lead to spectacular developments. One reason for this is that current negotiations concerning naval disarmament have been carried so far that they have now to be brought to the wider international stage. Before there could be any progress in naval disarmament, it was necessary for Washington and London to devise means for terminating deadlock which had arisen between them at the Geneva conference in 1927. I am glad to say that we have made such good progress in this work that the moment has come we hope, when the five naval Powers who signed the Washington treaties can be invited to join and ensure a common happy issue to the conference. If all goes well the five powers conference will be held early in the New Year. If it succeeds, it will supply the Preparatory Disarmament Commission of the League of Nations with a substantial contribution to naval disarmament. The Preparatory Commission would then be free to proceed with its general work, and it will later on be possible for the League of Nations to summon a general disarmament conference of all nations towards which it has long been working.” The Prime Minister added: “Such, briefly is the situation regarding disarmament, but that is not the only impulse that moves me to go to America. I want very much to see President Hoover once again and meet other American public men, many of whom I know already. We have so much work to do which cannot be done unless we understand and have confidence in each other. The history 'of the Anglo-American naval situation during the past three years proves if proof is needed, that the closest possible understanding between the two nations is of greatest importance, not only for those nations, but for the world. I have always felt that personal contact between those actually responsible for government in Washington and London is essential if that understanding! is to be developed, as fully as we all wish it to be. Both nations have a great role to play m the advancement not only of disarmament, but of many other democratic and moral issues, with which their history is associated. I am off in the hope of being able to do something to narrow the Atlantic.” MESSAGE FROM KING. The Prime Minister received the following message from the King: “On the eve of your journey, I wish you God speed. It is a departure that will be surrounded with good wishes, for it is a contribution to those happy relations between two great peoples, which must be an article of faith among all men of goodwill?’ Mr MacDonald replied: “With my humble duty to your Majesty, I am deeply grateful for your Majesty’s gracious and kindly thought in sending me good wishes for the journey which will indeed, I trust, be a fruitful innovation.”

The Prime Minister also received the following message from Sir Kynaston Studd, Lord Mayor of London: “The citizens of London are taking keen interest in your visit to America, and wish you a successful issue, a pleasant voyage and safe return.”

Mr MacDonald replied: “I very much appreciate your kind message. It is real encouragement to me on the

eve of sailing, and helpful to me in my mission to feel I am accompanied by such good wishes from the citizens of London.”

Numerous other messages reached the Prime Minister from various quarters, conveying good wishes. Mr Baldwin, Conservative ex-Prime Minister, who has just returned from a holiday at Aix Les Bains, visited the Prime Minister to-day, and wished him bon voyage and the success of his mission to America.