The Gisborne Times SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1936. WOULD ANYTHING BE GAINED BY RE-FORMING THE LEAGUE?

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 12905, 4 July 1936, Page 4

The Gisborne Times SATURDAY, JULY 4, 1936. WOULD ANYTHING BE GAINED BY RE-FORMING THE LEAGUE?

With much interest, the attitude which this iDominioids government was prepared to adopt in' regard to the sanctions imposed on Italy was no doubt awaited. It seems that Mr. Savago and his colleagues would have preferred to have seen . them maintained or even intensified but they have bowed to the viewpoint held by the Homo Government. As regards the views which ether Dominions expressed, those put forth on behalf of Australia could hardly be described as inspiring. In a few words. Mr Bruce weakly claimed that no good purpose could he gained by continuing their imposition. It was evident that he. too, was merely rc-stating, with seine variation, the views of the Motherlan 1 herself. As is well-known, the British attitude is that the easiest way out of the present awkward position must now be taken as speedily as possible. in Mr Bruce’s address, there was certainly nothing that would be comforting to the Ethiopian people. When flailo Selassie spoke before the Assembly lie unquestionably made the delegates feel very humiliated. Month after month, ho had, as is well-known, vainly trusted the 50-odd loyal members of the League not only to curb Italy but also to lend Ethiopia practical aid. And in this regard what did Mr Bruce say? The only answer lie could think of was that the best thing to do would be to tell Haile Selassie that the League was powerless to do anything for his people. It would really have been less to the discredit of the League if it had adopted such an attitude when Ethiopia was first invaded by Italy. “Have we not misled Ethiopia long enough?” was the pathetic attitude which Mr Bruco adopted. The matter is important on account of all the airy talk to tho effect that things will be- different in the future if the Lenguo can bo re-formed. Air Te Water, the South African delegate, lias, so far, proved to be the only representative of a British nation who lias put the position as it deserves to be put. In short, he made it clear that justice would not bo done if Italy were permitted to get away with the booty she had collared in East Africa. The League, it will be agreed. claimed to be based on the principles of international justice. It has still a chance to redeem • itself. Bub will it accept it? Nothing would bo gained by re-l'orming the, League unless each and every member could he depended upon to take up arms instantly against an aggressor nation. In tho past, tho suggestion that the League afforded a guarantee of collective security is now shown to have been worthless. .France, in particular, lias all along adopted the attitude that it was established simply for. her own benefit! With reference to tho views put forward by delegates representing the British Commonwealth of Nations, it is certain that, with the exception of those of Ml* To Water, they du not represent tho viewpoint of the bulk of Britishers who pinned their faith in the League as an instrument to prevent wars of aggression. It will, assuredly. ho much more difficult in the future for the League, even if* it should be re-formed, to take a (inn stand against any major nation intent upon carrying on a war of aggression. There may', indeed, he insufficient time in which to re-forni tho League before danger to peace again threatens, for all Germany’s neighbors are to-day apprehensive in regard to her I'uturo plans.