PASSION FOR PEACE

Northern Advocate, 24 October 1935, Page 8

PASSION FOR PEACE

LABOUR SUPPORTS SANCTIONS MAKING THE WORLD SAFE

WHAT MB SAVAGE THINKS. IFrom Our Parliamentary Special.]' WELLINGTON, This Day. ”TT looks as though the best way to 1 uphold the principles of universal peace for the nations of the world is by stopping supplies to the aggressor.” So said Mr M. J. Savage, Leader of the Labour Party, in the second reading debate of the Sanctions Bill in the House of Representatives yesterday. - “Labour’s passion for peace,” said Mr Savage, “makes-it necessary for us to support collective! action.” Mr Savage said that Mr Forbes had assured him that the purpose of the Sanctions i Bill was to provide for the enforcement of economic sanctions only, and even though if was provided that action should be taken by Order-in-Gbuncil, usually an unsatisfactory method of administration, he considered that in this instance it was the only practicable method. No one could i tell what might happen from time to time.

Turning Point In History.

“The Prime Minister had stated that this might be a turning point in history;. let us hope it is a turning point,” he said, “and that our previous hopes for the advocacy of peace will be met by .universal peace.” Mr Savage went on to say that the bill contained one or two clauses, which, at first sight, might not commend themselves to members; but he thought no serious objection could be taken to the measure. It was clear it did not provide for the introduction of conscription, and members would see tljat the rights of the citizen had been fairly well preserved. In connection with breaches of the proposed regulations, there appeared to be a weakness in that there was no right for trial by jury. Mr Savage wanted to know whether the Prime Minister would consider the advisability of introducing, even at that stage, provision for persons charged.with breaches of the regulations to be dealt with on indictment rather than by summary convictions. “No Need For Quibbling-,” “It seems that all sections of the House will, support the main portions of the Bill,” said Mr Savage, “There is this matter, however, to be considered. Parliament is about to dissolve, and when it has done so someone will still have the responsibility. It may be necessary to take other action later, and so long as this Government, or its successor, is willing to call the representatives of the people together before anything is done there appears to be no need for quibbling. , “We are now called on -to deal with the position as it exists at present, and if the world sets out to deprive the aggressors of the means of war it seems that we will be a step closer to universal peace.” The Hon. W| Downie Stewart (Government, Dunedin West) said the introduction of the Sanctions Bill was of the greatest historical interest and importance, because it was the first time New Zealand had been called upon to taka part in fulfilling its obligations under Article 16 of the Covenant of the League. Military Training and Service. “I am a little doubtful,” said Mr Stewart, “as to the reason for the insertion of the section dealing with the military training and service. I presume, however, that it has been put in as a precautionary measure. It might be misleading, as to what the existing ; law is, but, as long as it is made clear that these regulations will not confer authority to despatch forces overseas I have no strong objection to the inclusion of the clause.”

The Prime Minister, in replying to the debate, mentioned the point raised by Mr Stewart. “The object of the clause,” he said, “is” to make it quite clear that no regulations can be issued under the present bill to empower the Government to bring in compulsory military training or to send men overseas.” The Prime Minister said he would like members to realise this fact.