DISARMAMENT.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 December 1925, Page 3

DISARMAMENT.

COMI’LLTE ABOLITiON TMBOSSIBLE GENERAL .MACHICK'S VIEWS. [“Sydney Sun” Cables.] (Received this day at, 9.30 a.m.J LONDON, Dec. Id. General Maurice, writing in the “Daily News.” says : - “The disarmament discussions at Geneva only emphasised the difficulties. J have ceased to hope that a general disarmament conference would produce any immediate results. The complete abolition of armaments is impracticable; likewise the simultaneous application of a general scheme of limitation. Britain opposes France’s suggestion that members of the League should ear-mark the forces available against aggressors. There cere four British reasons: Firstly: It would lie an important

step towards creating a League army, which connotes the creation is suitable, it would he unthinkable to Iravo military forces without control by a Government of some sort. I am convinced the people of the Empire favouring the League would immediately become opponents if the League were given power to order their sons to go to war without their parents’ cun-oiio. Secondly—Such com mitt men ts would almost certainly entail an increase in our armaments. Thirdly:—The Dominions' opposition, particularly Canada, would he invincible. Fourthly: - [I: would again provoke the clamour against handing the British Navy over to the League. “The general limitation of armaments remains a dream. When the atmosphere of 1911 became highly charged the situation got out of the hands of the Statesmen and diplomats Ix'cause the ponderous military machine's had begun to move. No power could stop them. The only way to prevent a recurrence is to replace fear hv confidence. Get confidence exert a natural influence. The Locarno spirit must gradually he applied to Europe's danger spots, removing the incentive to competition in armaments, whilst the taxpayers insistence or economy is also a strong factor.