DISARMAMENT

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 November 1931, Page 12

DISARMAMENT

FOREIGN SECRETARY’S SPEECH. [OFFICIAL WIBELXBB.J RUGBY, November 12. Sir J. Simon, speaking at Birmingham last night, expressed the view that the States of the world should work together for a specific settlement of disputes and the promotion of economic co-operation. He said: “Unless, civilisation finds a means to reduce the crushing, burden of armaments, and to crush suspicions and rivalries, which sometimes poison international relationships, civilisation itself may be overwhelmed. It is not enough to utter pious peace sentiments, and permanent international machinery to safeguard and promote peace is essential.” Although the strain on that ma. chinery was sometimes' great, and its operation imperfect, the enormous advance that had been made should be realised. Who, he asked, could estimate the difference to the history of the last seventeen years if the League of Nations had existed in July, 1914. Sir J. Simon added that the. practice of successive British Foreign Secretaries in attending the League meetings was an essential part of their functions. ■

TRUCE ACCEPTORS. LONDON, November 12. Captain Eden, the Under-Secretary for 'Foreign Affairs, in the House of Commons, answering a question, stated that according to the latest available information; thirty-five States had definitely accepted Jthe armaments truce, and two States had ac. cepted it in, principle.