PREVENTION OF WAR

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 16 April 1928, Page 5

PREVENTION OF WAR

PROPOSED TREATY

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. - - . • Australian Press Association

LONDON. 13th April. Mr A. B. Houghton's Note emphasises that the Franco- American discussions have reached a point where it; is essential, to .secure ultimate .'. success), that the English, German, Italian, ancl Japanese Governments he -given an opportunity to decide the extent to which existing commitments constitute a bar to participation with America in an unqualified renunciation of war. The preamble of the proposed treaty says: "'The rulers of the United States, France, Britain. Germany, Italy, and Japan are deeply sensible that high office imposes a duty to promote mankind's welfare, inspired by a desire' to perpetuate peaceful relations and prevent war throughout the world." It is hopeful that other nations will, join the humane endeavour Ivy adhering to' the treaty. The following articles - provide a condemnation of war as a s6tntfon"of international controversies, and the possibility of pacific settlement of all disputes of whatever origin or nature.

BRITISH PRESS COMMENT

LONDON. 14th April. Regarding the United States ' proposal for the abolition of war, the "Daily Telegraph" says that the Powers are hound to ask themselves whether the whole system of safeguarding peace. on which the covenant of the League of Nations is founded, shall be overthrown if the American formula is accepted, and if there would lie an end of certain definite commitments by which most of the Powers are at present bound. Their entrance into these commitments has been regarded hitherto as a highlv and substantial guarantee of peace.

The "Telegraph's" diplomatic correspondent points mit that a prompt reply is asked lor. but Britain will have to consult the Dominions as to what specific mollification, if any. could be required in the case of the Empire. The "Morning Post" asks if France were to dream again of an empire in Central or South America, would the United States submit such an issue to independent arbitration '! The "Posi" adds: "All the civilised nations desire peace, especially after the hitler experiences of the Great War. If there is tiny hesitation in. accepting .miiable overtures, it is because lio (!overnineut de.si'es to enter into engagements which they could not keep -without peril to the interest of its people;" 'the "Daily Chronicle 1 ' says that the real difficulty lies in the special treaties existing belwpen European count-rivs having behind them military • ennve'ntaus. Here France is in a peeuliarlv

awkward position. Her policy i Til ring many years has been based on a network ..f alliances contracted with individual Slates.

OFFICIAL COMMENT WITHHELD

LONDON. 14th'April

In Sir Austen Chamberlain's absenco official I'omment on Am.erica.'s. anti-war Note is n. i given, but it was semt-of-lieially staled that it will demand the most careful scrutiny and that the principle underlying the Note will be warmly welcomed because it accords with Britain's settled after war policy. British consideration may be prolonged, not owing to lukewarmness, but the Dominion' 1 must be consulted