DISARMAMENT

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 30 September 1933, Page 10

DISARMAMENT

(Contributed by the New Zealand Welfare League)

This subject has been before the nations ever since the war arid various

“pacts” and agreements have been made, apparently with little result, Great Britain is one of the few nations which has set an example by drastic reduction of armaments, even going so far ! as to reduce her naval power by 50 per cent., in spite of the fact that on Die strength of the navy her own and the Empire’s very existence depends. • Recent signs of aggressive action by certain nations and the increased armaments of others prove definitely that the British example has been ignored—and should prove conclusively to pacificists that it is useless for one nation to disarm as an example to the others. Mr Tom Shaw, Labour War Minister in England said two years ago: “The only way to attain disarmament is by international agreement. I believed ten years ago, that if we set the example others would follow. We have set j the example but the result did not come j It is a beautiful theory which' does not, work out.” Others are now realising I the truth of this and there are definite J indications that the Empire leaders see the need for strengthening our defence forces unless international disarmament can be realised.

Those who persist in advocating still further reduction on our part and single out Great Britain for their attack, show a curious mental bias, for they omit to object to other nations increasing their armaments.

Wo often wonder if these exponents carry out their principles at home, by leaving their front doors unlocked as a gesture lo the burglar!