BRITAIN AND ARMS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 304, 21 November 1934, Page 7

BRITAIN AND ARMS

PROOF OF SINCERITY. THE FOREIGN SITUATION. HOPE NOT ABANDONED. (United Press Association—By Electric Te 1 egr apli. —Copy right.) (British Official Wireless.) Received November 21, 11.15 a.m. RUGBY, Nov. 20. In the House of Commons, referring to defence questions, Mr Ramsay MacDonald said the London Naval Agreement gave them power to call the escalator clause into operation. This they had not done, despite the many opportunities presented, because they wanted to demonstrate clearly and definitely to every Power in the world their desire that other countries should follow in the steps Britain had taken. They had proved to the world that their armament was' not offensive or aggressive and if it was to be strength* ened, as it would have to be on account of the nation’s needs, ho belieyed no one would accuse them of having taken such a course to increase their power of offence. Mr MacDonald, referring to the foreign situation, said there was no doubt that events had happened in Europe during the last eighteen months which -had not increased confidence, but had been the cause of great concern between tjie nations. ' The Government had made known their determination to carry on the co-operative work at Geneva through the League, and would continue to do everything possible to further the cause of peace. Referring to the Disarmament Conference, Mr MacDonald said its position, although certainly not despairing, was not too hopeful. They were still determined to get something substantial and international out of its de liberations.