ASSEMBLY SPEECHES

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 231, 16 September 1935, Page 7

ASSEMBLY SPEECHES

N.Z. RAISES GRIM SMILE

Italian “Sportsmanship”

APPEALS FALL ON DEAF EARS

(By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received 16, 9.15 a.m.)

LONDON, Sept. 15,

The Associated Press special correspondent at Geneva says that theoretically the Assembly has not yet discussed the Ethiopian dispute, as debates are based on the Secretary-General’s report. All the Dominions, with the exception of the Irish Free State, for which Mr de Valera will speak on Monday, have now been heard. None approached Mr. te Water’s vigour and originality. Sir James Parr alone specifically undertook to support Sir Samuel Hoare’s policy to the hilt. Mr. Howard Ferguson, on behalf of Canada, said: “Canada believes that the League is indispensable to world oeace, and cannot agree that any member is warranted in violating Its pledges and resorting to war.” If a peaceful settlement were not reached, he added, Canada would join other members in considering how, by unanimous action, peace could be maintained. Baron Alois! was not present, but the other Italians listened carefully through telephone amplifiers, a grim smile coming over Signor Rocco’s face when Sir James Parr appealed to Italian sportsmanship, which was a decidedly unorthodox argument in the Assembly. The portion of Sir James Parr’s speech most appreciated was hi» reference to the threat to the smaller nations, which was applauded, especially by representatives of tlit smaller European Powers, However, a few minutes after Sir James Parr’s speech the Italians distributed Ministerial decisions from Rome, including acceleration of military preparations, an indication that the increasing Geneva disapproval is falling on deaf ears.

FAITHFUL TO COVENANT

New Zealand’s Attitude

COLLECTIVE SECURITY

GENEVA, Sept. 15. t Sir James Parr (N.Z.), in ths Assembly, said: “Though furthest from the headquarters of the League, New Zealand yields to none in support for the Covenant ad collective security, and also values as a pledge of safety the Kellog Pact. To-day is the League’s great testing time. Now is its vital hour. If the League at the present is inactive it must end its influence and authority. Perhaps we who are most remote from Europe are inclined to subject international organisations to practical tests. We expect results, but I am concerned lest disappointment of the world’s expectations on this crucial occasion may have far-reaching and lasting evil consequences. “New Zealand is not directly interested in the Abyssinian dispute, although any people which has a spirit of sportsmanship must feel that when the strength of the parties to the dispute is so disproportionate there is a call for moderation by the more powerful.

“Our material interests are not at stake, but we are tremendously concerned regarding the sanctity of agreements. If solemn pacts and covenants are broken with impunity none, least of all the small nations, is safe for a moment. Indeed, the small nations lose most if the principle of collective security is impaired.” Sir James said that Sir Samuel Hoare’s declaration was explicit and admirable in all respects.

“New Zealand unreservedly supports its policy and accepts its implications,” added Sir James, “always recognising that under the Covenant, responsibility lies not with one but with all of us.

“The League has failed greatly on other occasions; it cannot afford to fail again.”

PEACE WITH STRENGTH

Pacifism Won’t Stop Wars

BRITAIN WILL DO RIGHT

(By Telegraph—Press Association.)

AUCKLAND, Sept. 16.

“We have implicit confidence that our leaders in the Old Country will do the right thing. In Cabinet there are returned soldiers determined to prevent war at all costs short of injury to our country and Empire,” said General Sir George Richardson at a reunion of the Old Contemptibles’ Association on Saturday night, A letter was read from the French Consul, M. Joubert, who was prevented by an accident from attending. He suggested that strong collaboration between Britain and France was one of the best guarantees of peace. Speaking later. S r George Richardson said: “We must remember that we cannot abolish war by disarmament and extreme pacifism. We must watch that the Empire maintains an army and navy sufficient in force to defend us in the event of attack. We cannot stand on one side while a nation of natives—a nation of primitive men—is wiped out.” (Prolonged applause.)