A COLLECTIVE RISK

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 244, 12 September 1935, Page 7

A COLLECTIVE RISK

DANGERS TO PEACE

BRITAIN’S ATTITUDE CLEARLY STATED

ITALIANS PAINFULLY IMPRESSED

(United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.)

Received September 12, 9.5 a.m

GENEVA, Sept. 11

Sir Samuel Hoare, the British Foreign Minister, addressed the League Assembly, to-day, on Britain’s policy. He said: —

“It is unjust and dangerously misleading to hold or encourage the illusion that Britain is animated by any lower motive than fidelity to the League. Her unwavering fidelity in the present case is no exception, but a continuance of the rule.

“The recent response of British public opinion shows how complefely the nation supports the Government’s full acceptance of the obligations of membership as tlie keynote of its foreign policy. The League stands —and my country with it—for the collective maintenance of tlie Covenant in its entirety, and particularly for steady collective resistance to all acts of unprovoked aggression. It is a principle of international conduct to which the British Government will hold with firm, enduring and universal persistence.”

Sir Samuel emphasised the anxiety of some countries not possessing colonial empires and sources of raw materials, and said Britain was ready to take her share in a collective attempt to deal with the problem, but calm, dispassionate consideration was impossible in an atmosphere threatened by war.

“If the manifold increase of the burden of the Covenant is to be borne it must be collectively. If risks for peace arc to be run they must be run by all,” he added.

“On behalf of His Majesty’s Government I can say they are second to none in their intention to fulfil within the measure of their capacity the obligations the Covenant lays upon them.”

RIGHTS OF SMALL NATIONS. Sir Samuel Hoare proceeded: “I believe small nations are entitled to a life of their own, and such protection as can collectively be afforded. Backward nations, without prejudice to their independence and integrity, are entitled to expect assistance in the development of their resources and the building up of their national life. I am not ashamed of our record in that respect. It is not enough to insist collectively that war shall not occur or, when it occurs, be brought to an end. Something must be done to remove the causes, and something other than recourse to arms must be found to adjust the natural play of international forces. I do not under-rate the delicacy of the task, for not every demand for a change deserves to be listened to. PASSIONS ROUSES. “.The justice of the claim is not necessarily in proportion to the national passions aroused in support of it; they may be deliberately aroused by one of the most dangerous features of modern life—government propaganda. Too often the artificial excitement of national feelings has been made the excuse for repudiation of obligations, or for a threat of force. “The Covenant admits the possibility of changes, but they must be made by peaceful means, not by unilateral action.” The Italians were painfully impressed by Sir Samuel Hoare’s speech. They ask: “AVhv lias Britain taken such a strong anil unjust line against an old friend while so weak a one against Japan and Germany ?” BRITAIN’S LEADERSHIP. A French commentator said that it was one of the finest efforts heard at Geneva. “It takes us back to Lord Curzon’s days. Britain has resumed her undisputed leadership in foreign affairs.” DR. HAAVARIAT SUGGESTS INQUIRY.

utmost deliberation and clarity. He disdained the use of rhetoric.

Most of tho delegates listened through earphones. Four hundred and fifty journalists were present. Baron Aloisi showed no more trace of emotion than the Ethiopians as Sir Samuel Hoare’s address proceeded. His reference to war for war’s sake appeared to discomfort tho Italians. Nevertheless, he held out tho olive branch to Italy with, a tentative offer to discuss the economic aspect of the advantages enjoyed by colonial Powers. Sir Samuel Hoare was warmly applauded by most of the delegations. The Italians did not participate, which is easily understood, but the Ethiopians show-ed special enthusiasm. ( Often during the speech Sir Samuel Hoare looked straight at_ Baron Aloisi, notably when lie said “We want no more empty chairs at the League. The lobbies buzzed with discussion during tlie translation. The chief question asked was how much Sir Samuel Hoare implied by bis reference to colonial supplies ot raw materials. A WORLD WAR. PREDICTION BY MINISTER. LONDON, Sept. 11. The Daily Telegraph’s Adids Ababa correspondent states that the Minister of a European Power, after a conversation with Count Vinci, Italian Ambassador, expressed the opinion that there would be -a world war within a month. Tlie Foreign Office has refused permission to the Italian Legation to bring in 200 native troops as a guard. A leading member complains of the unfairness of this after Abyssinia had granted similar permission to file British. . , . Count Vinci has protested against the detention of Italian-protected subjects attached to northern, consulates when the latter were evacuated.

ITALIAN CHALLENGE. SMALL POWERS’ VIEW. LONDON, Sept. 10. The Daily Telegraph’s Geneva correspondent says that the smaller Powers are rallying strongly to the view that the Italian challenge must be met squarely. Scandinavian countries have indicated that they will withdraw from the League if the big Powers are not prepared to 1 make tho Covenant operative. Some South Africans are also taking a strong line. WARSHIPS r MOYEMENTS. PROTEST BY GREECE. ATHENS, Sept. 10. The Government has protested to Italy regarding Italian cruisers and two destroyers which made an unauthorised entrance to Greek ports.

The Italians remained in the Chamber while I>r. Hawariat briefly announced that Abyssinia was willing to discuss any proposals not inspired by personal interest. Her integrity, lie said, had been threatened despite every proposal she had freely made. He suggested that the League send a commission of inquiry to Abyssinia. The Emperor would consider any reasonable suggestion lor conciliation.

PLAIN SPEAKING. ABSENCE OF RHETORIC. SPEECH WARMLY APPLAUDED. Received September 12, 11.20 a.m. GENEVA, Sept. 11. Sir Samuel Hoare’s speech was the first he had made at Geneva, and he delivered it extremely slowly, with the