Morrison's Views On Peace Aims

Northern Advocate, 29 November 1939, Page 5

Morrison's Views On Peace Aims

LONDON, November 27,

Recalling that he had spent his life in struggling for security at work and home for the mass of the people, Mr Hex'bert Morrison, one of the leaders of the Labour Opposition, in his broadcast speech, stated' that he realised full well that, as a result of the war, much constructive social work must temporarily cease. But, in spite of this, ho, together with 99 per cent of his fellow countrymen, knew that there could be no peace in Europe until a peace could be made with “Germany, ready to play the game and co-operate.” Britain would be chasing a will o’ the wisp if the object were only to end the Nazi threat and to restore a pre-Nazi Europe. Deep Changes Will Follow,

Although disagreeing fundamentally, economically, and politcally with the Prime Minister, he was at one with Mr Chamberlain that the war would result in deep changes in every trend of thought and .action. He urged that everyone should make themselves ready and plan for the kind of change that would come. He suggested some principles which he thought should govern the new order. “Our aims.” continued Mr Morrison, “should be these: “While we must bo ready to surrender a measure of national sovereignty, wo must maintain the cultural freedom of nations and a proper measure of independence in their political life.

“We must cling to the ideal of a government, whatever its actual form, as something which exists to serve the peoples, and not to dominate them.

“We must remember that this is no mere internal question. “Come Together.”

“The governments that dominate at home are often peace-breakers .abroad. “When the nations come together and tackle international economic problems including the problem of colonial possessions on international lines, even if this means the limitation of national sovereignty. “Then we must organise the industry, trade and commerce of the world with the idea not of bolstering up the special privileges of any class or group, but of achieving the highest standard of life for all. Control of Arms. “Next we must insist upon achieving international control of arms manufacture and the .armed forces, once again giving up some old ideas of national sovereignty, in order to bring that about. “Lastly, the nations —victors and vanquished and neutrals alike —must agree that none will seek to be the judge in its own cognisance, that each will submit to its grievances and quarrels to impartial judgment and will abide by the outcome.”

Mr Morrison said he did not think this was the proper time 1o enter into a more detailed peace programme.