RENUNCIATION OF WAR

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 16 April 1928, Page 5

RENUNCIATION OF WAR

AMERICAN PROPOSALS. OPINION IN BRITAIN. DOMINION'S TO BE CONSULTED. (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—BY ELECTED TELEGRAPH—COPYRIGHT.) (AUSTRALIAN PRESS ASSOCIATIONUNITED SERVICE.) LONDON, April 13. Mr Houghton's (American Ambassador) Note emphasises .that FraneoAmerican discussions have reached a point where it is essential to secure their ultimate success. The English, German, Italian, and Japanese Governments should each have an opportunity to decide the extent, to which existing commitments constitute a bar to their participation with America in an unqualified renuneiairon of war. The preamble of the proposed treaty says that the rulers of the United States, France, Britain, Germany. Italy and Japan are deeply sensible that their high office imposes a duty to promote the wfelfare of mankind, inspired by the desire to perpetuate peaceful relations and to prevent war throughout the world, and are hopeful that other nation's will join in the humane endeavour by adhering to a treaty to prove.ic a condemnation of war as a solution to international controversies and the pacific settlement of all disputes of whatever origin or nature. In Sir Austen Chamberlain’s absence official comment on America’s anti-war Note has not been given, but it is semiofficially stated that it will demand most careful scrutiny. The principle underlying the Note will be warmly welcomed because it accords with Britain’s settled afterwar policy. British consideration may be prolonged, not owing to luke-wdrin-ness, but because the Dominions must he consulted. MORE BRITISH COMMENT'S. FR ANCE IS AWKWARD POSITION. LONDON, April 14.. Public opinion fully recognises the importance of American readiness to enter into an agreement, outlawing war. The proposal is assured of the most careful and sympathetic consideration by the British Government, It is recognised that a treaty on the lines of the American proposal might be so drafted as not to conflict with the obligations of .States who are members of the League of Nations, but to accord fully with the principles underlying the covenant, and that the adher. once of the Great Powers, including the United States of America, to such an instrument Would greatly strengthen the moral conscience of the World. Responsible Ministers are mure critical than was previously indicated regarding the proposal. The “ Daily Telegraph” says the Powers are bound to ask themselves whether the whole system of safeguarding peace, of which the covenant of the League of Nations is the foundation, shall be overthrown if the American formula is accepted and whether there shall he an end of certain definite commitments bv which most Powers are at present hound. 'Their entrance into these commitments has been regarded .hitherto nis substantial guarantees of peace. A prompt reply is asked, the paper’s diplomatic correspondent points out : but, Britain will have to . consult the Dominions as to what specific modification if any would be required in the case of the Empire, If France, were to dream again of an Empire in -Central or South America would the United States submit, such an issue to independent arbitration, the “Morning’ Post” asks. “All civilised nations desire peace,” the “Post” adds, “especially after the bitter experiences of the Great War. if there be any hesitation in a*, opting the amiable overtures it is because no Government desires to enter into engagements which it could not keep without peril to the interests of its own people.” The real difficulty, says the “Daily Chronicle” lies in special treaties existing between European countries having behind them military conventions. Here France is in a peculiarly awkward position. Her policy during many years has been based on a network of alliances contracted with individual States.