A RALLYING POINT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 245, 13 September 1935, Page 9

A RALLYING POINT

FOR ORGANISED PEACE BBITAIN CBEATES DEEP IMPKESSSION (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) Received September 13, 11.40 a.m. RUGBY, Sept. 12. It is universally recognised that Sir Samuel Hoare’s speech to the League Assembly is one of the most important pronouncements made by any British Foreign Secretary since the League’s formation.' Its terms are being carefully studied in all countries. In Geneva it has created a profound impression among the delegates to the Assembly and the speeches that follow to-day and to-morrow are awaited with exceptional interest, for it is generally regarded as providing a standard round which other nations may rally for the defence of organised peace. CLAIM JUSTIFIED. ,

Newspaper comment entirely justifies Sir Samuel Hoare’s claim that “my country stands by the League lor collective maintenance of the Covenant in its' entirety, and particularly for steady and collective resistance to all acts of unprovoked aggression.” VIEW OF THE NETHERLANDS. The discussion of the League of Nations Secretariat’s report was continued in the Assembly this morning. The first speaker was the Netherlands Foreign Minister, who in the course of his speech declared that his Government believed that no country should be permitted to seize the territory of another by force or violence, and that the need for expansion did not justify resort to force. MINISTER RETURNING TO LONDON. M. Hcrriot gave a luncheon to-day to Sir Samuel Home, Mr R. A. Eden and the other members of the British delegation. Sir Samuel Hoare is leaving Geneva to-morrow for London. In liis absence Mr Eden will be actingleader of the British deelgation. This morning Sir Samuel Hoare conferred with both M. Litvinoff and the Portuguese Foreign Secretary (Seuor Monteiro).

en. AT. Laval is reported to have reproached the British Government for failing to maintain continuity of policy and choosing to stand for the first tiine on an issue directly threatening the peace of Europe. There was a startling development in this connection in the early morning. _ The Times late edition states: “It is understood that the French Government through its Ambassador in London lias inquired of the Foreign Office whether it may be assumed that the firm attitude now being taken by Britain at Geneva in regard to a case of aggression will henceforward also be adopted in Europe, especially in the event of an act of aggression being committed against Austria. The. reply will be awaited with interest elsewhere than in Paris and London, but it is not difficult to deduce this from Sir Samuel Hoare’s speech.” EFFECT OF SPEECH. Correspondents of the London Press at Geneva mention the effect of the speech upon representatives of smaller Powers who openly rejoiced to see Britain taking the lead in Europe. One delegate described the proposed world inquiry into the distribution of raw materials as a magnificent offer. Another said: “AVe should bo blind to our own vital interests if we did not follow such a lead.”

“LIVE AND LET LIVE.” THE BRITISH KEYNOTE. ADVICE OF A FRIEND. Received September 13, 12.10 p.m. GENEVA, Sept. 12. Sir Samuel Hoare, in a broadcast address, expressed the opinion that although tilings were no better they were no worse. The Minister added that his most vivid impression is the respect in which the British Empire is held throughout the world. “I felt repeatedly the weight of responsibility of representing a Government to which so many countries are looking for advice. I have done my best to express the typical British viewpoint, especially the desire to Jive and let live, and 1 hope that while doing justice to Abyssinia, we will remain friends with Italy, where 1 personally served in wartime. “I have a great admiration for the Italians and their progress in recent years. Whatever bitter words have been said they are the words of a friend,” Sir Samuel added. Referring to iu.y materials, Sir Samuel said the British Empire must remember the responsibility of great possessions and must not be tempted to use its advantage churlishly or selfishly. A SOBER APPEAL. ATTITUDE OF BRITAIN. LONDON, Sept. 11. The Times says that Sir Samuel Hoare (the British Foreign Minister) in his address to the League Assembly at Geneva, expressed the views not only of the Government, but of the nation. The passages in the speech which are likely to arouse the most attention are the references to raw materials. The fear of monopoly makes uneven distribution a cause of anxiety to many countries, yet the mere transference of colonies will not solve the problem any mono than colonisation of tropical territories can possibly accommodate the surplus populations of the European countries concerned. The League, however, offers an opportunity for scientific examination and suitable action. Sir Samuel Hoare soberly appealed to the enlightened self-interest on which civilisation depends. What war means is plain from the records of 1914, and the world still has freedom to choose. The News-Chronicle says that _ Sir Samuel Hoare could not have hinted more plainly to France that if the Covenant was uphold France can look for the fullest assistance from Britain under the Covenant in the event of her security being menaced. On the other ha lid, if the League collapses Britain will be freed of all international obligations and will have to reconsider as an island her attitude to Europe. The Daily Herald says there are strong fears in the city that a steep rise in the Italian bank rate is imminent in consequence of Italy’s financial position becoming worse daily. PLEA TO DUCE. FRANCE IN DILEMMA. CHOICE OF SIDES. LONDON, Sept. 12. The Daily Telegraph’s Geneva correspondent learns that AI. Laval has been in telephonic communication with Signor Mussolini. The correspondent adds: — “M. Laval, can now hardly longer delay a choice between Franco-Itahan co-operation or standing four-square behind the League. M. Herriot feels there is no room for divergence of opinion. That explains why. At. Laval has postponed his speech in the Assembly until Friday. The Geneva correspondent of the Daily Express goes further. He says that Al. Lavii, telephoning innneuiately after Sir Samuel Hoare’s speech, pleaded with the Duce for a gesture of conciliation, failing which France would be obliged to side with Britain. He will have Signor Alussolini’s answer by Friday. If the Duce sticks to his guns, France will proclaim her solidarity to Britain. A CURIOUS REPORT. A curious report which emanates from the Petit Parisien’s special correspondent at Geneva is- published in the Times to the effect that AL Laval, in the course of a conversation with Sir Samuel Hoare and Air Eden last evening, declared that if the British Government had in recent years shown but a tithe of its present zeal for the j principles of the League this disastrous situation would never have aris-

The Geneva correspondent of the Times says: “The speech was masterly and historic. It is generally accepted as the most momentous and most satisfactory statement of British policy heard at Geneva for many years. It ended the ambiguity with which British policy is so often reproached.” WORLD’S POLICEAIAN. The British Press practically unanimously supports Sir Samuel Hoare’s declaration. Exceptions include the Daily Alail, which says: “The speech heightened the alarm of the public that the country will be dragged into a quarrel with will develop from a mere African dispute into a European conflagration.” The Alorning Post stresses the fact that there is nothing in the speech to suggest that England will act alone. She could hardly do so because her disarmament has made it impossible tor her to assume the role of sheriff to the League or policeman of the world. KEENLY AWAITED. AI. LAVAL’S SPEECH. AIUCH SPECULATION PREVAILS. Received September 13, 11.50 a.m. LONDON. Sept. 12. The Associated Press special Geneva correspondent says Al. Laval’s Assembly speech, to be given at 10.30 on Friday, is awaited with as much interest as Sir Samuel Hoare’s was yesterday. There is much speculation as to whether Al. Laval will spring a surprise. Sir Samuel Hoare has a special aeroplane and is deferring his departure until he has heard AI. Laval and AL Litvinoff also speak. The views, which were unmistakably expressed at the August Council, should not.impaii France’s substantial unity with England, Russia and the smaller Powers. Air S. AI. Bruce made further contact with the British delegation today.

Canada, more than Australia, is remaining ill the background. Her delegates are reluctant to speak on the Ethiopian question pending instructions from Ottawa, ill view of the forthcoming election. The delegations to-night are wondering what extent of individual mediation Al. Laval reputedly offered Sig nor Alussoiini, through Baron Aloisi. In British circles the view is that the Paris failure discourages any extraneous negotiation. M. LAVAL’S DENIAL. OPPOSITION TO SANCTIONS. AlOllE ABYSSINIAN VIEWS. Received September 13, 10.15 a.m. LONDON, Sept. 12. The only new thing emerging from to-day’s reports on tiie Abyssinian problem is that Al. Laval has seen fit officially to deny’the statement in the Petit Parisien that he is opposed to sanctions in any form. There is no confirmation of a French report from Geneva that the Scandinavians, as the result of a talk last night, have decided to quit the League if the Covenant is not fully upheld. The Times Addis Ababa correspondent, in a copyright message, states that Sir Samuel Hoare’s speech created a profound impression, the Emperor, particularly, being moved. The frankest applause is accorded the assurance of the belief in collective action, but the suggestion of the collective development of backward countries is equally well received as consistent with the Emperor’s policy as disclosed in the Paris negotiations, where he appealed for geweral assistance in peaceful development, especially if it were possible without encroaching on the Emperor’s sovereignty. Foreign advisers and administrators would be acceptable provided words such as a protectorate or mandate were used, or models like the former regime in Iraq were employed. Aforeover, the lion’s share of the concessions or co-opera-tion must not he given to Itaily, which was impossible for the safety of the throne.

BASIS FOR SETTLEMENT. QUEST FOR PROPOSALS. Received September 13, 11.50 a.m. GENEVA, Sept. 12. The Conciliation Committee, after a length discussion, instructed the sub-committee to draft a report containing preliminary proposals for submission to Italy and Abyssinia in certain circumstances as a basis for settlement.

SUPPORT OF WHOLE COUNTRY

MR LLOYD GEORGE’S VIEW. TRULY A NATIONAL GOVERNMENT (British Official Wireless.) Received September 13, 11.50 a.in. RUGBY, Sept. 12. Speaking to-day at Plymouth, Mr Lloyd George referred to the __ ItaloAbyssinian dispute and the Foreign Secretary’s speech in the League Assembly. Ho said : “In a crisis of this kind the Government that represents Britain and the cause of right is for that moment at any rate a National Government in the real sense of the term. It speaks for the nation as a whole.” It was well, ho added, tluit all the nations of Europe should know that. He was confident that the country, without distinction of party, would be behind the Government in its decision to support the League Covenant. | Mr Lloyd George welcomed also Sim Samuel Hoare’s reference to the pro-: blem of control of primary materials. j Of the speech as a whole lie said: “It was outspoken, it was lucid, it! was straightforward, it was adroit. Ho rose to the heights of a very great occasion.” , , . ...I Mr Lloyd George declared that sanctions must be effective; anything less would bring ridicule on the League, which could not afford to face more derision and must not repeat the mistake which it made with JapanSanctions would have been less drastic and more effective if tho speech mKI been made three months ago and 101-; lowed by action. -nr i “I hope Sir Samuel lloare will stand by the declaration firmly, otherwise we may get out of this quarrel only to become involved in a much greater one where neither Britain’s honour nor conscience is concerned,” said Mi Lloyd George. Referring to the control of primary products, Mr Lloyd George said a signatory to the Versailles Treaty, I do not think the time is ripo lor a revision of the mandates.” STRIKING NEW PROPOSAL. KELLOGG PACT SIGNATORIES. CONFERENCE PROPOSED. Received September 13, 12.20 p.m. GENEVA, Sept. 12. The time lias come to utilise the Kellogg Pact to. prevent aggressive warfare,” said the American Senator, Mr Pope, a member of the Senate’s Foreign Relations Committee, in disclosing that he had cabled Mr Cordell Hull proposing that a world conference of the signatories to the Kellogg Pact be convened either in tho United States or France. Mr Pope points out that there are more signatories to the pact than there are members of the League. Accordingly, tho conference would be conducive of wider co-operation. WORK OF THE LEAGUE. MR BRUCE’S REMINDER. Received September 13, 9.5 a.m. GENEVA, Sept. 11. After Mr Stanley Bruce bad reminded his colleagues of the League Assembly of the danger of increasing the ditfaculties of the Council by the discussion of 'a dispute in the Assembly, lie brought the debate back to the subject matter of the Secretary-General s report which deals with the woik of die League in the past year. The delegates of Hungary and Norway also spoke before the Assembly adjourned till to-morrow morning. A FRENCH DECREE. EXPORT OF ARMS. ""pAR IS Sept. 12. The official journal publishes a decree drastically tightening the regulations against the export ot war material from France and Algeria without the authorisation of the Government. The decree extends to all sucli exports and requires exporters receiving permission to give a bond against the re-export of the goods to a country other than specified. A preface, signed by .M. Laval, states that the Government desires to reinforce control in conformity with the spirit shown by competent bodies at Geneva. RAW MATERIALS. REFERENCE BY MINISTER, GENEVA, Sept. 11. British circles decline to amplify Sir Samuel Hoare’s reference to colonial raw materials except to regard it as a basis for a possible conference if the .entative suggestion thrown out makes .ny appeal to Italy. The Associated Press Agency learns authoritatively that Sir Samuel rioure’s reference to colonial raw resources was not intended as the slightest commitment of the Dominions or Dominion mandated territories, but only British colonial mandates. EFFECT ON WHEAT MARKET. DEALERS CAUTIOUS. Received September 13, 11.55 a.m. LONDON, Sept. 12. Tho Times city editor says: An early relaxation of the, international tension might result in an easing of wheat prices. Russia’s serious view of the international situation accounts for the firm attitude of the Soviet authorities. Rising prices are reflected in the freight markets, and many vessels are being chartered to load grain from the Argentine. The Evening Standard says that holders of surpluses are refusing to part with their grain in view of the prospects of war. Cautious dealers, however, are holding their hands until M. Laval’s speech.