As Far As Honour Will Allow: Britain’s Quest For Peace

Northern Advocate, 27 July 1938, Page 7

As Far As Honour Will Allow: Britain’s Quest For Peace

(Received 2.0 p.m.) RUGBY, July 26. jgRITAIN NEVER REGARDED THE ROME AGREEMENT AS BILATERAL. BUT AT PART OF GENERAL APPEASEMENT WHICH WOULD FOLLOW THE LIQUIDATION OF THE SPANISH DANGERS—FOR WHICH REASON THE CONDITION OF THE SETTLEMENT OF SPAIN HAD BEEN LAID DOWN, SAID THE PRIME MINISTER, MR NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN, IN HIS ADDRESS ON FOREIGN AFFAIRS IN THE HOUSE OF COMMONS. He foreshadowed a further effort at general appeasement in relation to Germany, if an agreed and peaceful settlement were once reached in Czechoslovakia. Mr Chamberlain was replying to a speech by Sir Archibald Sinclair, Liberal leader, and he began by repeating his definition of the aim of the Government’s foreign policy as the establishment and maintenance of peace, and the removal, as far as was practicable, of all causes of possible conflict, in the amelioration of grievances of one country or another.

At the same time, nobody should imagine, Mr Chamberlain declared, that the Government was willing to sacrifice, even for peace, British honour or vital British interests. Day by day the armed strength of Britain became more formidable, but while the tremendous power being accumulated remained in the background as a guarantee that the country could defend itself, the Government was not unmindful that, while it could have a giant’s strength, it was silliness to use it like a giant. The fact that Britain was unable to guarantee a loan to China, said the Prime Minister, did not exclude all forms of assistance, and proposals were now being examined for giving aid in other ways not open to the same objections. Britain would be glad to offer her services in the Far East in the cause of the cessation of hostilities whenever a favourable opportunity occurred. Meantime, the Government would not allow British interests to suffer. Sir Archibald Sinclair said the Government’s policy was to give peace until next election, but only at the cost of confronting the nation with the stark alternative of war or submission. They would be allowed to live peacefully only if they rid dictators’ minds of the belief that democracy was abject. He hoped no more sacrifices would be offered to placate Signor Mussolini. The Prime Minister's policy of concessions to dictatorships was in danger of self-defeat. It was now time to stand firm for the principles and ideals of peace, freedom, justice and international good faith.