BROAD HINT

Hawera Star, Volume LIV, 12 September 1935, Page 5

BROAD HINT

COLONISATION AIMS Italy Painfully Impressed by British Secretary’s Speech EXCITED NATIONAL FEELINGS DANGERS OF PROPAGANDA (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph Copyright.) Received 12 noon to-day. GENEVA, Sept. 11. The British Foreign Secretary, Sir Samuel Iloare, made a profound impression, particularly upon Italy, when he addressed the League Assembly on aspects of -colonial expansion and the Tights of small nations to their own life and such protection as could collectively be afforded. Sir Samuel said it. was unjust and dangerously misleading to hold or encourage the illusion that Britain "was animated by some lower motive than fidelity to the League. Her unwavering fidelity in the present case was no exception, but a continuance of the rule.

“The recent response of British public opinion shows how 'completely the nation supports the Government’s full acceptance of the obligations of membership of the League as the keynote of its foreign policy,” said .Sir Samuel. “The League stands, and my country with it, for the collective maintenance of the Covenant in its entirety, particularly for steady, -collective resistance to all acts of unprovoked aggression. It was a principle of international .conduct to which the British Government holds with firm, enduring and universal persistence.” Sir Samuel emphasised the anxiety of some - countries not possessing colonial empires and sources of raw materials. He said Britain was ready to take a share in a collective attempt to deal with the problem, but calm and dispassionate consideration was impossible in an atmosphere of threatened war.

“If the manifold increased burden of the Covenant is to be borne it must be borne collectively,” he said. “If risks for peace are to be run they must be run by all. On behalf of His Majesty’s Government I can say it is second to none in its intention to fulfil within the measure of its capacity the obligations the Covenant of the League lays upon it. ’ ’ BUILDING UP RESOURCES. “I believe that small nations .are entitled to a life of their own and such protection as can collectively be afforded,” continued Sir Samuel. “Backward nations, -without prejudice to their independence and integrity, are entitled to expect assistance in the development of their resources and the building up of their national life. I am not ashamed of our record in that respect. It is not enough to insist collectively that war shall not occur, or that when war occurs it be brought to an end. Something must be done to remove the causes of war, and something other than a recourse to arms must be found to adjust the natural play of international forces. “I do not under-rate the delicacy of the task, for not every demand for a change deserves to he listened to. The justice of a claim is ,not necessarily in proportion to the national passions aroused in support of it. They may he deliberately aroused by one of the most dangerous features of modem life—Government propaganda. Too often artificial excitement of. national feelings is made an excuse for the repudiation of obligations, or for a threat of force. The Covenant admits the possibility of changes, hut they must he made by peaceful means, not by unilateral action.” The Italians are painfully impressed by Sir Samuel Hoare’s speech. They ask, “Why has Britain taken such a strong and unjust line against an old friend, while so weak a one against Japan and Germany?” A French commenter said it was one of the finest efforts heard at Geneva. “It takes us back to Lord Curzon’s days. Britain has resumed her undisputed leadership in foreign affairs.”

The Italians remained in the chamber while Dr. Hawariat briefly announced that Abyssinia was willing to discuss- any proposals not inspired by personal interest. Her integrity had

been threatened, despite every proposal she freely made, he said. He suggested that the League should send a commission of inquiry to Abyssinia, and the Emperor would consider any reasonable suggestion for conciliation. HOW MUCH WAS IMPLIED? Sir Samuel’s was the first speech he has made, at Genova, and it was delivered extremely ,slowly, with the iitmost deliberation and clarity. He disdained the use of rhetoric. Most of the delegates listened through earphones. Four hundred and fifty journalists were present. Baron Aloisi showed no more trace of emotion than the Ethiopians at Sir Samuel’s address. His reference to war for war’s sake appeared to- discomfort the Italians. Nevertheless, he held out the olive branch to Italy with a tentative offer to discuss the economic aspect of the advantages enjoyed by colonial powers. Sir Samuel was warmly applauded by most of the delegations. The Italians understandably dicL not participate, but the Ethiopians showed special enthusiasm. Often during the speech Sir Samuel Hoare looked straight at Baron Aloisi, notably when, he said, “we want no more empty chairs at the League.” The lobbies buzzed with discussion during the translation. Tho chief

question asked was how much Sir Samuel Hoare implied by his reference to colonial supplies of raw materials. “The attitude of His Majesty’s Government has been one of unwavering fidelity to the League and all that it stands for, and the case now before us is no, exception, but a, continuance of that rule,” said Sir Samuel. Any other view is at once an under-estim-ate of our good faith and imputation upon our sincerity. T cannot believe that the attitude will be changed so long, as the League remains an effective body and the'main bridge between the United Kingdom and the Continent remains intact.”