SOVIET MAY ACCOMPANY POWERS ON ROAD TO PEACE

Manawatu Times, Volume LIII, Issue 6672, 27 July 1928, Page 7

SOVIET MAY ACCOMPANY POWERS ON ROAD TO PEACE

Kellogg Pact Useless Without The Red and Mysterious East Times Cables. : . . k . Received Thursday, 7.5. p.m. ■ / ,"V-. ' ■ BERLIN, July 25. The ‘‘Berliner Tagehlatt” publishes an article from its Moscow correspondent Paul Scheffer aaent the Soviet attitude toward the Kellogg pact. It expresses opinions presumably those.of Herr Scheffer himself, but it is possible to read in them the expression of the official Soviet view. Herr Scheffer considers that such a pact must remain an empty formula if it lacks the Soviet signature, and 'suggests guardedly that Moscow would gladly adhere to it if it is sure no opposition would arise. Undoubtedly the United States desires Russia’s adherence, but it. cannot make the approach as, theoretically the Soviet Government does not exist in tiie eyes of Washington. Herr Scheffer says he has not the slightest doubt the Soviet’s present desire is for peace. She is more to 'blame for the hostile words and actions of others than she admits, but the decisive factor is the insecurity of the Soviet Union and the possibility is that the next storm-burst on this ’ front will extend everywhere. The fear of encirclement is the real spectre in Moscow, and accordingly the greater is. the . inducement to accompany the Powers on the toad to friendship and play a part ba the world stage as an equal among equals. ' > Deep scepticism overshadowing the Kremlin regarding the Soviet’s foreign relations causes the preparation of the party and the masses for the coming war “against the Proletarian State.*' Just as the Soviet urgently wishes to relieve the tension in and about Russia arising from the nightmare of War, so is the question a decisive and more pressing one for Europe, because it is gradually blocking the the way to a settlement with the red and mysterious East. Activity in the West over organisation for peace proceeds simultaneously with retrogression, war, and anarchy in the eastern half of Europe. The Kellogg pact is possibly tho last chance to attest this process and give a turn for the better. ■' i . ' The Soviet by entering the ranks of the Pact Powers would gain a more active Interest for enterings’the 5 ’the League of Nations whlch # is an American conception of thorough ingenuousness and simplicity, and .this would bring it nearer its original task,' namely, the maintenance of peace.

. PACT AND NAVT f - REDUCTIONS, PROPOSED. , QUESTIONS IN COMMONS. /, * Aust. Press Assn.—United Service. LONDON, July 25. , In the House of Commons, Sir R. J. Thomas (L.) inquired what reductions were proposed id the Navy estimates as the result of the Kellogg Pact. , • Mr. W. G. Bridgeman, First Lord of tho Admiralty, said that the Admiralty had begun to, consider the next estimates. .It would, be most unusual to announce in advance what they were likely to do. The Pact aoes not affect tho national right to provide for selfdefence. It was on that basis that Cabinet was finally guided in fixing the Navy estimates* - - . ■ I

. BRITISH ACCEPTANCE. \ NO REPLY PROM AMERICA. .* - . British Official Wireless. RUGBY, July 25, Sir Austen, Chamberlain stated that he had had no communication from tho United States up to the present in reply to his Note of July 18 accepting the proposed Treaty for the Renunciation,of War as an instrument of national policy SIGNATURE IN PARIS ‘ END OP NEXT MONTH. Aust. Press Assn.—United Service. LONDON, July 25. • Assuming that President Coolidgo supports Mr. Kellogg’s idea of signing the Peace Pact in Paris, the signature is likely to take place in tho last week in August, when all the Foreign Secretaries will be en route for the annual Assembly of the League of Nations at Geneva. •->