European Events Reviewed

Manawatu Times, Volume 59, Issue 274, 22 November 1934, Page 7

European Events Reviewed

ir MacDonald Speaks In House of Commons

SITUATION IN INDIA

(British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, Nov. 20.

In the House of Commons, the Prime Minister (Mr MacDonald), reviewing the foreign situation, said that there was no doubt that events had happened in Europe during the last eighteen months which had not increased confidence, but had been a cause of great concern between nations. The Government had made known their determination to carry on the Co-operative work at Geneva through the League and would continue to do everything possible to further the cause of peace. Referring to the Disarmament Conference, Mr MacDonald shid that its position, although certainly not desperate, was not too hopeful. They were still determined to get something substantial and international out of its deliberations. . t Turning to India, the Prime Minister said that the Government would have to give the House full' opportunities for discussion. They hoped that every question in tho report would come before the House and be discussed, but he did not believe the House would allow them to give a roaming and roving commission day after day and week after week. The report would be in tho hands of members to-morrow anrl the Bill would follow.

“The Indian situation," ho said, “is one that has been steadily maturing on account of the education and political example we have given to India. Whatever one's views may be, it is sheer folly and blindness to believe that our relations with India, our policy pursued towards India through generations, and the pledges we have given to India would never come to maturity. They have come to maturity now. This moment is not created by any party either in India or here. It has been created by the policy of this country and its relations to its Indian Empire.” India must take its place among those great monuments of political wisdom which marked the evolution of their Imperial constitutional fabric. He was convinced this would be the result of the deliberations of the House. Referring to defence questions, the Premier said that the London Naval' Agreement gave them power to call the escalator clause into operation. This thev had not done, despite many opportunities presented, because they wanted to demonstrate clearly and definitely to every Power in the world their desire that other countries should follow in the steps Britain had taken. They had proved to the world that llieir armament was not offensive or aggressive, and if it was to be strengthened. as it would have to be on account of the nation's needs, he believed that no one would accuse them of having taken . such a course to increase their power of offence. On Ihc question of trade the Premier said that the Government would continue their present policy, which had resulted in such good effect on Britain's trade position. They were subsidising shipping because they were being competed with by subsidies given by other countries. All they were proposing to do was to establish some measure of equality. “Here and now in this way the Government will let it be known to these countries," said Mr MacDonald, “that as soon as they arc willing to come to an arrangement that will be fair, we are prepared to come to that arrangement.’’

Labour and India ANY MOVE FOR SELF-GOVERN-MENT WILL BE SUPPORTED United Press Association. —By Electric Telegraph.—Copyr igh t. Received Wednesday, S p.m. LONDON, Nov. 21. In the House of Commons Mr Lansbury said lie was looking forward gleefully to hearing Mr Churchill punching the other fellows on the subject of India, but Labour would in no way support him. On the contrary, it would support every advance for selfgovernment in India. This question transcended everything in the life of the British Commonwealth, and iE Britain was able to give Irtdia reai' selfgovernment it would be the biggest achievement by any Imperial Power that the world had ever known.

Ulm, which is likely on Thursday. There will be an escort of ten local aeroplanes at the hop-off.

Pacific Flight Plans Not Yet Finalised MONTREAL, Nov. 20. The necessity for overhauling some of the plane's instruments prevented Ulm from making full-load tests to-day, delaying an announcement until Wednesday of his plans concerning his Pacific flight. Glider Record PILOT AND PASSENGER ALOFT FOR FIVE HOURS. / MOSCOW, November 20. A Sbviet glider claims a record with a pilot and passenger aloft for 4 hdurs 5S minutes.