FOREIGN RECEPTION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 28 March 1938, Page 7

FOREIGN RECEPTION

VOICE OF REASON WELCOMED A GRATIFYING FEATURE PRESENT DIFFICULTIES OF LONG STANDING |British Official Wireless] RUGBY. 26th March. ’ "The Times.” commenting editorially jon the foreign reception to the speech by the Prime Minister. Mr Chamberlain. on foreign policy, says that reports coming from all over the world show "that there has been a welcome in most countries for his voice of reason in the midst of dangerous pas-

After summarising the reception of the speech in different countries, the article concludes: ‘That, indeed, is a gratifying feature common to all these criticisms —that British power is accepted for what it is meant to be —a guarantee for the peace of the world." The Secretary of State for Scotland. Mr Walter, Elliot, speaking at Glasgow. said the past few weeks had been a time of turmoil in foreign affairs to which there was no parallel in recent years, but the difficulties now so evident were of much longer standing. RELAXING THE TENSION No opportunity to relax the tension could be neglected to-day. he said. He would be willing to stand by the Government to proceed with the talks with Italy on any platform in the country. "The policy of the Government—of any Government—must be twofold, to promise no more than it can perform, and to ensure that its performance shall not only reach but also surpass that promise.” Mr Elliot said. “Such was the pledge given by Mr Chamberlain That pledge is a far-reaching one and Mr Chamberlains statement will. I believe, find a response both in this country and abroad.”

The Leader of the Opposition. Mr C. R. Attlee, speaking in London, said: "1 differ intensely from Mr Chamberlain on the present situation, but it is a thing to be proud of in this country that, although there are these deep and grave differences, we can meet together in the House ot Commons on a friendly basis. I should hate it if this country ever became a totalitarian State. GREAT HERITAGE OF FREEDOM "We cannot barter our freedom for peace and we cannot heave the peace of slavery. We are resolved to stand absolutely firmly against any aggression and any attempt to reduce us to the level of a totalitarian State. We have the great heritage of freedom won by our ancestors, and we must retain it. although we may differ as to the way it should be done,” Mr Attlee said. Lord Winterton, speaking on rearmament at Worthing, said that today there was an active desire on the part of thousands of British men and women to participate in defence. Many people abroad had formed the false opinion that the British people were a seft, decadent and irresponsible people, but the best answer to that point of view was the calm and restraint which had been shown by the British people. If the nation maintained its present position, and continued the policy of the Prime Minister of trying to find a solution of the terrible difficulties that divided Europe, it would aoid war he said.