PACT OF ASSISTANCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIV, Issue 1075, 23 July 1924, Page 5

PACT OF ASSISTANCE.

MR MacDONALD’S OPPOSITION. LONDON, July 21. Mr MacDonald in his letter to the League of Nations regarding the pact of mutual assistance In the event oi attack, emphasises the delay that would. be inseparable from deciding which state is the aggressor and doubts whether four days would suffice. Therefore, further delay would be involved in bringing into operation the league’s measures, whether military or economic. Even then, the sanction of all nations to them would be so precarious tliat none would feel themselves justified in reducing armaments. In this connection, Britain feared the proposed troaty of mutual aid will involve an increase, not a decrease, in armaments.

Mr MacDonald quotes Canada’s comment that, while for purposes of action she zonally belongs to the North American area, she still shares _ the Empire’s responsibility. Canada is of the opinion that it would be most difficult to overcome such a conflicting position. Mr MacDonald says in view of its many defects, Britain does not favour the adoption of the treaty which was drafted last year.—A. and N.Z. cable.