REARMAMENT

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 266, 24 October 1935, Page 7

REARMAMENT

BRITAIN’S DEFENCES BEST PEACE GUARANTEE Preparedness to Meet Risks LESSONS OF PRESENT CRISIS (■irttish Official Wireless.) (Received 24, 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, Oct. 23. Mr. Baldwin, in the House of Commons, affirmed the support of the united Cabinet for Sir Samuel Hoare and Mr. Anthony Eden in their conduct of international affairs, and denied that Sir Samuel Hoare’s appeal for the use of a breathing-space before the application of sanctions for another attempt at settlement was a “loophole for going behind the back of the League.” Referring to matters of defence, Mr. Baldwin said that the lesson of this crisis had made it clear that in the interest of world peace it was essential that Brit ain’s defensive services should be stronger than they were to-day. “When I say that, 1 sm not speaking of any unilateral rearmament directed either in reality or imagination against any particular country; I am speaking of strengthening the defensive services within the framework of the League for the sake of international peace and not for selfish ends —a greater measure of preparedness to meet the risks that are inherent m the situation.” Mr. L. 8. Amery and Mr. Lloyd George, following Mr. Baldwiwn, both proved critical of the Government’s policy. Mr. Eden then intervened in the debate, stating that he thought Mr. Lloyd George seemed rather anxious to create an atmosphere of suspicion. There was no mystery at all about the work that had been done at Geneva under Article XVI. of the Covenant

RESTRICTED SUPPORT France Promised Little MEDITERRANEAN FLEET (Received 24, 10.10 a.m.) PARIS, Oct. 23. Several newspapers attribute what is described as Britain’s change of policy to the French Note, which wellinformed circles declare gave only the most restricted promises to support Britain in the Mediterranean, did not offer to allow Britain the use of Toulon and Bizerta and implied unwillingness to support a blockade. The Note emphasised that France would give Britain assistance in the event of attack only after such sanctions had been decided by the League. ETHIOPIA DISAPPOINTED Hoped for Severer Sanctions ARMIES GROW RESTIVE (Received 24, 10.10 a.m.) ADDIS ABABA, Oct. 23. The Abyssinialis are most disappointed at Sir Samuel Hoare’s speech. They hoped that Britain would devise semi-military sanctions, and consider that economic sanctions will prove ineffective. Tribesmen are becoming restive at their inactivity, especially as their faith in the League has been dissipated. It is generally considered that if the battle is long delayed it will be impossible to hold the armies together. The Emperor’s advisers are urging him to order an advance