COURAGEOUS PREMIER.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 95, 21 March 1938, Page 9

COURAGEOUS PREMIER.

MR CHAMBERLAIN PRAISED. BRITAIN WILL PROTECT HERSELF. LONDON, March 20. The Dominions Secretary (Mr Malcolm MacDonald) speaking at a National Labour Conference, said: “I read in the newspapers that I and other impatient spirits are anxious to got rid of the Prime Minister. My reply to this statement is that Mr Chamberlain has sincerity, courage and wisdom in these affairs worthy of the best traditions of British statesmanship.” He added that the responsibility for cool reflection on foreign policy must not rest on the British Government alone. “We have to take into account, he said, “not only Britain’s view and sentiments but those of fellow citizens overseas. I do not suggest there is any divergency of views between them and us. They believe as we bel:»ve in the method of conciliation and negotiation for resolving international troubles. We shall gain their sympathy rather than lose it if we test that method to the utmost.” Mr H. Ramsbotham (Minister of Pensions) supporting Mr Chamberlain regarding the British and Italian conversations after the condemnation of Germany’s coercion of Austria, declared thaf? Russia’s assistance in collective security was doubtful owing hei method of government and her internal situation.. Also it was very doubtful whether the 50 or 60 other members of the League, from Norway to Nicaragua, would effectively assist. “Nothing is more difficult than to handle a composite force of little detachments from various countries,” he said “many of which would be overrun’by their powerful neighbours, as during the Great War, before they could have helped. Consequently the Leaeue for practical purposes consists of Britain and France. Thus, apart from France, collective security is nonexsistent and might soon become collective liability.” Mr Ramsbotham deprecated the panic-striken, conjuring-up of visions of Germany stretching from the Baltic to the Black Sea, Italy dominating the Mediterranean and Spam Lgypt. He added that Britain had defended her interests in the past and was equally determined to protect herself and her interests as in 1914. “If anyone wants to. discover the truth of that remark, let them come and try. I do not believe that force will eventually triumph.” . Mr Churchill has postponed his visit to France pending Mr Chamberlain s statement on foreign policy.