DOCTRINE OF FORCE.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 225, 22 August 1938, Page 6

DOCTRINE OF FORCE.

The United States, no more than Great Britain and France and some other countries, seeks a peaceful world. In another broadcast speech, recalling the momentous one of March 16, the Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) has pledged his great country to an international programme embracing adherence to international law, economic reconstruction, respect for and observance of treaties, voluntary self-restraint and abstention from the use of force in the pursuit of national policy, and preparation to limit and progressively reduce armaments. Upon observance of such a programme can the peace of the world in the final analysis be founded. Violation of several of its items has been responsible for the state of unrest and uncertainty —even despair among some people—so noticeable in these times. Yet never was there a period in the world’s history when people should be happier, living side by side in amity, with iron tiers but just an artificial barrier. That they are not is because certain countries ride roughshod over the rights of smaller nations and minorities have no security. War is still the instrument of policy for some that the Paris Pact outlawed, and the doctriue of force holds sway The momentous question, Mr Hull said last March, is whether this doctrine “shall become enthroned again and bring in its wake inexorably internal anarchy, or whether this and other peaceful nations fervently attached to principles underlying international order shall work unceasingly, singly, or through cooperation, to promote and preserve law, order, morality, anil justice, as unshakeable liases of civilised international relations.” Mr Hull then made it quite clear that the United States was prepared to take parallel action with other nations for peace. Mr Hull’s statement has been made during another period of crisis, though it is to be feared that troublemakers will take little notice of it. Nevertheless it is to be welcomed, though many people would find greater satisfaction with American policy were it to be more direct, .translated into a Note to the Powers, including those that subscribe to the doctrine of force, some good might result in a conference which could straighten out the world.