BULWARK OF PEACE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 200, 14 July 1936, Page 6

BULWARK OF PEACE

FAITH IN THE LEAGUE. MR SAVAGE’S VIEWS. Per Press Association. ■WELLINGTON, July 13. An announcement that the formal lifting of sanctions against Italy, imposed by New Zealand last year as a signatory to the Covenant of the League of Nations, would be effected in the' near future, probably at the next meeting of the Executive Council, was made to-dav by the Prune Minister (Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage). At the same time, Mr Savage added, the Government hoped that the failure or sanctions would not mean the end ot the League of Nations. He did not think the League was dead. There were many problems arising out of the present situation, but as lie saw it the League of Nations, probably reconstituted and 'troiic' icyed, would have a great work to do in the future. He believed the League was the only organisation in the world that had the power to deal with problems affecting not only the interests of individual nations but also the interests of all the world. “If the League fails,” the Prune Minister continued, “we must accept the pitiable certainty that war will usuiT) the interests of peace. As fat as New Zealand is concerned vve are prepared to do everythin" possible to preserve world peace. We recognise that we 'are a small community, isolated geographically, but we have a voice in the councils of the nations. If the framework of peace cannot he evolved we must be prepared to join with the other countries of the Empire in ensuring that there shall lie peace with the right to work, to live, and to make progress.” Questioned about the defence provisions for New' Zealand, Air Savage said it appeared that the best form of security lay in developing an efficient Civil Service which could be utilised in time of war. That meant development in the air. Air transport was becoming an essential in time of peace, and it appeared that strength in the air would be a vital factor in time of war