ARMS SITUATION

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 296, 12 November 1934, Page 7

ARMS SITUATION

BEST WORD ON SECURITY.

AGREEMENT ON SCALES

MR MACDONALD’S VIEWS.

(United Press Association—Bv Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) Received November 12, 11.15 a.m. RUGBY, Nov. 10. In a survey of world affairs in his speech at the Lord Mayor’s banquet, the Prime Minister (Mr Ramsay Mac Donald) said that, although disappointed with the Disarmament Conference thus far, they would continue not only to try to preserve some very useful gains but secure agreements still open to it, even if no formal conference was sitting. He oelieved the best and last word on security was an international agreement on the scales of national armaments, and the lower these scales the greater the security of the nations.

POLICY FOR PEACE.

ATTITUDE OF BRITAIN.

NAVAL AGREEMENT DESIRABLE

_ LONDON, Nov. 9. The Prime Minister, Air Ramsay AlacDonald, in a speech at the Lord Alayor’s banquet'emphasising the Government’s policy to preserve world peace, declared that if an international arms agreement were refused defence requirements must be met by means of putting Britain’s non-aggression beyond question. “The Government cherishes Britain’s reputation of being tlie most dependable and most consistent peacemaker,” he said. “These services will be continued as long as the Government lasts because it is convinced a commonsense peace policy is practical. “The League imposes responsibilities on Britain which will be fulfilled, otherwise the risk of war will be greatly increased, but the Government is determined not to increase its obligations quixotically and certainly not without Parliamentary sanction. Some people blame us for not taking steps which would quickly dot the country with munition factories, make the League an armed camp, and bring us swiftly into conflict with other nations. Foreign policy will not be conducted in this fashion.”

Referring to the naval conversations, Air AlacDonald said England, America, and Japan desired an agreement not jeopardising either’s safety a.nd not depriving either of necessary defence. An agreement by all naval Powers, eliminating useless and extravagant building, while ensuring security, would be a most conspicuous step towards peace. “Aleanwhile, if met by aggression, we should at least be able to defend ourselves,” said Air AlacDonald. “We purposely risked showing the world an example of disarmament though the equipment of other Powers would have justified our expansion. We recently investigated the resources of home Imperial defence. Experience proved that in the world’s present state- disarmament by example was an ineffective way of strengthening peace and might in some circumstances tempt an aggressor to attack. I believe the country will trust us to do what is necessary without embarking on an arms race.”