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Hokitika Guardian, 22 September 1938, Page 4

If we rightly appreciate all the work the League of Nations has been able to do,” said the British Secretary, Viscount Halifax, speaking in the House of Lords, ‘‘there is no reason at all why, under the influence of generous emotion, we should close the door to reason in the matter of the examination of the practical strength in the political field to be exerted by the League to-day. It is, of course, undeniable in a world of great Powers that it is a source of great weakness j to the League that four of the greatest Powers should stand outside, some of whom are not only out of sympathy, but are opposed to the whole idea ana method of international discussion for international purposes for which the League stands. It is not the machinery which is at fault, hut it is the unwillingness of people to take advantage of it to adapt it and to make it work. The possibilities are there, but there is not ; we must admit, a sufficiently general desire to see its possibilities exploited. If the League is ever itself to fulfil, or if it is ever to show the way by some other translation of its purpose to fulfil the idea of a better order for the world, it is necessary that all great nations should no brought to co-operate in the attempt. t an nn+ delude mvself by supposing that it is possible for us to hope for any such early immediate issue, but tiiat must remain, I think, the objective to what a great part of our endeavours must be directed. The difficulties which confront the League are, of course, great indeed. It is quite true that the League is in rough water, and that difficult and testing times no doubt lie in front of tlie League. But, none the less, our intention is to foster and sustain the League to the utmost of our power, doing our best to adapt its practice to circumstances, as prudence and wisdom may suggest to he most necessary because wo believe the League itself in fact enshrines principles vital to world socicty.”