LEOPOLD’S APPEAL

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 August 1939, Page 7

LEOPOLD’S APPEAL

IN CAUSE OF PEACE

PLEA FOR NEGOTIATION [BY CABLE —PRESS ASSN. —COPYRIGHT.] (Received August 24, 12.30 p.m.) BRUSSELS, August 23. King Leopold, broadcasting in the name of all the signatories to the Oslo Convention, said: “The world is living under such a high tension that all collaboration between countries seems impossible. War will bring economic collapse everywhere. Armies are getting ready for a horrible struggle, in which there will be neither victor nor loser, but loss of spiritual values acquired during centuries of civilisation. “Yet not a single nation wishes to send its children to death, it is still possible to negotiate. The worst can be avoided, but time presses. The evolution of events will soon render all contact more difficult.

“The right to live must exist, and must be founded on a moral basis. “We solemnly hope that those responsible for the guidance of their countries will accept the suggestion to submit their differences and claims to negotiation in a spirit of goodwill. We hope the heads of other States will join their voices with ours, in the same desire to assure peace and security to their peoples.” King Leopold spoke in the mostsolemn tones, in the presence of the Oslo Convention Ministers, who, during the day, considered a proposal to call a world conference, but it was withdrawn, as several delegates doubted its usefulness.

OSLO POWERS’ CONFERENCE. BRUSSELS, August 23. The Oslo Agreement Powers’ conference has opened here with a review of the international situation by the Belgian Premier, M.- Pierlot. STOCK EXCHANGE CAUTIOUS LONDON, August 23. On the Stock Exchange, a cautious atmosphere prevails. There are few transactions, and the general tendency is weaker. Gilt-edgeds are further marked down. FLIGHT OF CAPITAL. LONDON, August 23. The “Financial News” says: The flight of capital from London yesterday is estimated as having been from 50 to 75 per cent, heavier than it was on Monday. The Exchange Stabilisation Fund Account had gold losses that are believed to have been the heaviest for any day in 1939. The losses are estimated at £6,000,000. There is a new hoarding rush for silver, which stimulated the biggest price rise for years. The pound sterling has remained rigidly held. CANADIAN COMMENT. OTTAWA, August 23. Mr. MacKenzie King stated to-day that, but for the fact that the Government had emergency powers under the 1914 War Measures Act, he would summon Parliament at once. He promised to do so immediately it was apparent that peace measures were likely to fail. He added: “There is nothing in the difficulties between Germany and Poland which would justify the use of force, involving a European war.” Plans have been completed for the mobilisation of the militia for home defence immediately upon an outbreak of war. The strength is 45,000 men, plus reserves numbering 1500. SOUTH AFRICAN ATTITUDE. CAPE TOWN, August 23. Mr. Malan has called on South Af rica to remain neutral, in the event of war. General Smuts has appealed to Europe, to avoid suicide. The Southern Rhodesian Parliament has been summoned for Mon® day, to consider emergency powers. AUSTRALIA WITH BRITAIN. CANBERRA, August 23. Discussing the European crisis the Prime Minister (Mr. Menzies) said that although the tension had never been greater, it was both unwise and unnecessary to form exaggerated conclusions about the suggested RussianGerman pact. The latest information from the Australian High Commissioner (Mr. Bruce) was such that there was no need to summon the Commonwealth Parliament before the normal date, September 6. Mr. Menzies pledged Australia’s whole-hearted support for Britain’s present policy. He said: “If Britain were forced into war, she would not go alone. We stand with her up to the hilt.” NEW ZEALAND’S PART. STATEMENTS IN HOUSE. [PER press association.] WELLINGTON, August 23. The importance of unity in New Zealand to show that the Dominion stood side by side with other members of the British Commonwealth of Nations in the present time of crisis was emphasised by the Acting-Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) in a brief statement . made when the House of Representatives resumed after the dinner adjournment to-night. Mr. Fraser spoke in reply to a statement made ' by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Hamilton). Members and a considerable crowd in the galleries heard both statements in an impressive sil- : ence.

“In view of the alarming situation that has arisen in Europe, and the disquieting news received late this afternoon and published in the Press, the Opposition wishes to assure the Government of its wholehearted support in all and every action deemed necessary to meet the crisis that has arisen,” Mr. Hamilton said. “The Opposition recognises that national unity is all essential in such a crisis, and assures the Government of its unanimous backing.” “I wish to thank the Leader of the Opposition and Opposition members for their offer of assistance at a period

which might possibly develop into a most critical time for the people of this country and the British Commonwealth of Nations,” Mr. Fraser said. “It is essential at this moment, not only that members of this House, but that everybody in the Dominion should speak with a united voice, and show that the country stands side by side, and shoulder .tQ«shp„tilder with other British nations. We cannot but sympathise with the United Kingdom in its present, position, and with all other nations whose rights and liberties may be threatened. “At this moment,” Mr. Fraser continued, “we devoutly pray that there will be no further development, and that counsels of peace will prevail; but if the hour comes, here, it will find New Zealand united and solid.”