“NOT DEAD”

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXV, Issue 12912, 14 July 1936, Page 5

“NOT DEAD”

MR SAVAGE ON THE LEAGUE. “GREAT WORK AHEAD OF IT.” !j ' .-.A ;-t ■.■<■ -•' ' k ■"E 5.1 ' WAR INEVITABLE IF IT SHOULD FAIL. AIR DEFENCE BEST FOR DOMINION. (Press Association!. WELLINGTON, .July 13. An announcement that the formal lifting of the sanctions against Italy imposed by New Zealand last year as a signatory to the Covenant of the League of Nations would ,be effected in the near future, probably at the next meeting of the Executive Council, was made to-day by the Prime Minister.

At tho same time, Mr Savage added, the Government hoped that the failure of sanctions would not mean the end of the League ol‘ Nations. He did not think the League was dead. There were many problems arising out of the present situation, hut, as he saw it, the League of Nations, probably re-constituted and strengthened, would have great work to do in the future. He believed the League was tho only organisation in the world that had power to deal with problems affecting not only the interests of individual nations, but also the interests of all the world. “If the League fails,” 'the Prime Minister continued, “we must accept the pitiable certainty that war will usurp the interests of peace. As far as New Zealand is concerned, we are prepared to do everything possible to preserve world peace. We recognise we are a small community, isolated geographically, but we have a voice hi the councils of tho nations. If the framework of peace cannot be evolved, we must be prepared to join with tho other countries of the Empire m ensuring that there shall ho peace with tho right to work, to live, an l to make progress.” Questioned about the Defence provisions for Now Zealand, Mr Savage said that it appeared that the best form of security lay in developing an efficient civil air service which could Ik. utilised in time of war. That meant development of air transpoit was becoming essential in time of peace and it appeared that strength in tho air would bo a vital factor in time of war. Matters concerning New Zealand s attitude toward a possible reconstruction of tho Longue of Nations, together with the Dominion’s interests in Imperial affairs, were discussed at a meeting of Cabinet to-day, a\ hick was attended by the future High Commissioner (Mr Jordan), who will leave Auckland by the Niagara on July 21.