Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1932. REAL DISARMAMENT.

Greymouth Evening Star, 12 November 1932, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 12, 1932. REAL DISARMAMENT.

JT was appropriate that on the eve of Armistice Day, the House of Commons should hold an important dehate on the subject of disarmament. Many British people are disappointed, with the rate of progress made hitherto, and they, suspect the sincerity of some of the Powers. Germany’s recent equality of status, claim brought the issue to a stage where dilatory policies had to end, or mend. Britain can justly claim to have done her part in limiting armaments, her lovers of peace finding their patriotism strained by the risks the whole .Empire is

running by serious .reduction of the armed forces, whilst other nations—and possible enemies—have done comparatively little in that direction. Perhaps, too much in too

little time was expected, but the fact that yesterday was the four-

teenth anniversary of Armistice Day emphasised that there was room for greater activity in the way of reducing armaments. A few weeks ago, Germany’s, claim made a deadlock appear probable, with a danger that what good work had been accomplished would be lost in the general resolve of nations not to trust each other. However, negotiation with Britain as the chief mediator, has paved a way for a further conference, at which there is now room for hope that the ideals given lipservice by all, will get nearer ac-

complishment. M. Harriot, .for France, has accepted a compromise, and has spoken in friendly terms to both Italy and Germany. Signor Mussolini’s reply was somewhat half-hearted, but this was tactical only, and it will probably be found that Italy will co-operate with Britain. Like the other Powers, Italy could not really afford to go to war, and will welcome any avenue for saving of expenditure, if national security is not thereby endangered. Sir J. Simon’s speech in the House was maintained 1 " on a high level and he fairly outlined the policy Britain advocates. Britain recognises Germany’s claim to be well-founded, and agrees that the Versailles Treaty demands further limitation of arms by the Allies. His appeal to Germany deserves to succeed, and step by step all round disarmament should now progress. 1 Paets against war are nullified if the signatories are preparing for aggression, and the United States cannot be reasonably asked to condone war-debts if the money saved is to be utilised by her debtors in preparations for another conflict. The issue is now with the Con- , tinental nations and with Japan. ‘ If British appeals are rejected, disarmament will be an ideal only, to which even theoretical support must wane. The next conference may not be a last chance for the nations to agree to minimise their armies and navies, but its failure or success must have important ‘ consequences. For the good of humanity, it is to be hoped that by next Armistice Day, there will be cause for world-wide congratulation that disarmament is general in practice, as to remove all apprehensions of another great war, even if “localised” encounters are impossible to avoid.