BRITAIN’S AIMS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 September 1937, Page 7

BRITAIN’S AIMS

MEDITERRANEAN AREA MR EDEN’S STATEMENT LONDON, September 14. Great Britain’s Mediterranean policy was explained Gy the Foreign bee rotary, Mr Anthony Eden,, when lie gave a brief survey of world affairs in the House of Commons. “It has been stated many times with truth that this country has no desire to interfere with and no intention of interfering in the internal affairs of Spain. However, our interest in the integrity of Spanish territory is very real, ft has been clearly expressed. Only a few days ago l used certain words, which, since they were deliberately chosen and have the approval of my colleagues, I repeat.

“ 'But disinterestedness in this mattes—the internal affairs of Spainmust not be taken to mean disinterestedness where British interests unconcerned on the land or the sea frontiers of Spain, or the trade routes that pass her by.’

“DEFENDING OUR INTERESTS’’ “This country has every intention of defending its national interest in tinMediterranean, as elsewhere in the world. There must he no mistake about that. Yet it is important that- thenshould bo no misconception anywhere: while we are determined to defend onr own intoresos we have no intention 01 challenging those of others. That is why we made with Italy the Mediterranean Agreement of last January. We stand by that, agreement.

“Tf the Mediterranean is for ns u main arterial road— and it is—yd there is plenty of room for all on stum a road. If we intend to maintain our place on it—and we do—we have no intention of seeking to turn anybody else off it. Least of all do w e wish to interfere with those who geographically dwell upon it. There is ample room foi- all. Free traffic through and out of the Mediterranean is the common interest of Great Britain and of all the Mediterranean Powers.

"In the light of certain reports which have reached me, there is one further categorical assurance I sliouto like to give. This country has no intention of pursuing toward any other country a policy either of aggression or of revenge. Such a possibility has never even occurred to the ~nt:sn poonle. The word ‘vendetta’ has no English equivalent.. The foreign police of this country will never l?o Based upon such a motive, nor be influenced hv such a sentiment. Tf any apprehensions exist unon that score tlicv should ho ins+nntlv allayed. To entertain them is tnilv to misconceive tile Britisu character. POSITION IN RED SEA “We wish to live in peace and friendship with our neisrlfhours in the Mediterranean. as elsewhere, for, while "i----will defend ou>’ own, we covet nniudit of theirs. The moment is perhapopportune to add that what T have said about the Mediterranean applies equally to the Reel Sea. It has a*wavs been, and it is to-day. a major British interest that no great Power should establish itself on the eastern sbo-o oi the Red Sea. I need hardly add that this applies to ourselves no less than to others.

“While we speak of the Red Sea i would like to make a reference tr Egypt. Tt is now nearly a your since the signature of a treaty of friendship and alliance wi+h Egvpt. Tn the interval mu- relations hn’’e continued to grow in friendliness nd to develop in confidence. The settlement of various mutters which reqrpred rend iistmo" +

ps a result of the tr°ntv is proceeding am iephlv nnd with doe exnedition

■‘T am confident that meter'" l ! vantage has acruod tn both countries v the establishment of their relations on a nc' v basis concecvntod bv the treatv. We in this country fee! sun-

•b-rf ip tho I’ght of the collaboration which has taken nlare between our + wo Dovernments in the mast year the Uovernment of Egypt, on its wart, shares this feeing and finds nothin* to regret in the piosp awl free connection established by treaty between our two countries.”