Nelson Evening Mail WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1936 BRITAIN’S FOREIGN POLICY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 11 March 1936, Page 6

Nelson Evening Mail WEDNESDAY, MARCH 11, 1936 BRITAIN’S FOREIGN POLICY

,OE the statesmen of the Empire none l;as a higher reputation for honesty -of purpose and lofty patriotism than Mr Stanley Baldwin. When the British Prime Minister speaks upon affairs of State and the policy of his Government, his opinions are weighed carefully, not only in England, but in every part of the Empire. The British Conservative leader's recent speech in the House ot Commons places before the British public the slate of international politics in Europe and the part therein outlined by Britain for herself. She proposes to uphold (he status quo, and will oppose any Power whose policy it is to enlarge its territory at the expense of another Power. To prevent such aggression reliance is placed upon the League, and Britain is prepared to support and uphold the Covenant of that body which exists primarily for the purpose of maintaining peace. The British Government realises that its obligations under the Covenant may necessitate the application of force, and therefore may prcci- ' pi tale war. lienee the proposals of the recently-issued White Paper dealing with the rehabilitation and development of the Navy, the Air Force, and the 1 Army, and of lho.se proposals the British Premier said, ‘‘The Government’s proposals do not go beyond what- is neces- ' saiy to fulfil the League’s obligations, and i:i the event of collective security not being achieved, to make the country and (lie Empire safe against aggression.” The strength and wisdom of such a ' policy arc obvious. The British Government’s intentions are peaceful, but it recognises that with two warlike Dicta- >

tors in Europe, it is necessary for a i peaceful nation to prepare for its selfdefence. Furthermore it is necessary for all the peaceful nations of Europe to prepare for their defence. “If the countries of Europe,” said Mr Baldwin, "want to make an aggressor realise his action will bring all other members of the League upon him, they will have to bp more ready for war than to-day. It is the old Roman adage, “If you wish for peace, be prepared for war. It must be recognised that that is the law of j the jungle,” but that is not Britain s fault. Her wish was that all the nations of Europe should unite within the League with a view to outlawing war and initiating an era of peace. But as Air Baldwin says, “One nation may make war, but it takes fifty to secure peace.” That is to say that if the fifty peaceful nations of tile League desire to cement peace, they must be prepared for war. There is a nation of the League which is not peaceful, and there is a nation, outside of the League, which is not peaceful. Those two nations comprise, between them, upwards of a hundred million people. With so great a multitude ruled by warlike Dictators, (lie peaceful European nations are obliged to prepare to meet emergencies. The consequence is that the Continent o: Europe is an armed camp, and Britain is arming because she feels she must be able to protect herself and the Covenant of the League. The man-in-the-street will want to know what all these warlike preparations mean, and if there is going to be another Great War in Europe. To reply, it is necessary to recall what Europe was in 1914, and to realise what she is to-day. In the year 1914, Europe was divided into two camps, in one of which was Germany (the immensely powerful), and Austria, then great. In the other camp were Russia, France, and Britain, which, when they were joined by Italy, were plainly destined to win the war. To-day Europe is divided into two camps. In one camp is Germany, isolated, almost a pariah-nation. In the other camp are France, Russia, Britain, with Italy a dubious ally, but with the full strength oi the League of Nations strongly opposed to Italy's militancy and to Germany’s warlike attitude. What, then, will be the outcome? Italy is in no state to wage war in Africa and in Europe simultaneously. Germany has marched her troops into the demilitarised Rhineland, and has thereby broken her agreements. It will be for the League to say what reaction there shall be to Germany’s breach of faith. Britain will not act on her own initiative. But Mr Baldwin’s speech indicates the willingness of Britain to act with the nations of the League in upholding the principles of that body’s Covenant, and in meeting the aggression of nations outside of the League.