The Hawera Star. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1925. LOCARNO AND THE DOMINIONS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLV, 26 November 1925, Page 4

The Hawera Star.

THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 26, 1925. LOCARNO AND THE DOMINIONS.

Delivered every evening by 5 o'clock in Hawera, Manaia, Normar.by, . Okaiawa, Eltbam, Mangatoki, Kaponga, Alton, Hurleyville, Patea, Waverley, Mokoia, Wbakamara, Ohangai, Meremere, Fraser Road, and Ararata.

The summary in to-day’s cables of tlie House of Lords’ debate on the Locarno Treaty further emphasises the unanimity with which the pact, has been hailed ns a signal contribution to the cause of world peace. As Mr Austen Chamberlain said on his return, to London after the initialling at Locarno, the treaty “threatens no one, is directed against no nation, secures the safety of many, and ought to be welcomed by all.” At one and the same time Franco has been reconciled to British policy, and Germany has been entreated to a peace. In the words of the London. Spectator: “Only madness can take us back to the bad old days.” The debate in the Lords was of special interest to the Dominions by reason of the particular references made to their position. Some weeks ago Mr Richard Jebb threw a bomb into the Imperial camp by suggesting that acceptance of

the Treaty by Britain would begin the disintegration of the British Empire. Lord Balfour does not support that view; and' there is no living Englishman more closely in touch with the constitutional structure of the Empire than is Lord Balfour. War forced upon Britain by lier obligations, under the pact would require no citizen to subscribe to the doubtful doctrine: “My country, right or wrong.” The appeal to .the Dominions would sound on the double note of Empire and' the right. Britain has made war unjustly in the past; it is not impossible that she may do so again. But any going to war in accordance with the terms of the Locarno Treaty would be war for justice and humanity. It is by no means likely that New Zealand, for example, would wish to stand aloof from sueli a conflict. So long as the obligations she assumes under any European treaty be along the lines of maintaining the world’s peace and protecting her neighbours from unprovoked attack, Britain will have small need to fear the crumbling of her Empire. • Founded on the principles of righteousnss and justice, it cannot but be strengthened by the further application of those qualities in international dealings.