SMUTS’S WARNING

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 9 April 1945, Page 5

SMUTS’S WARNING

EMPIRE TOWER DECLINES London, April 5. “Everything has gone well, and a colossal victory awaits the Allied cause. Now that it is in sight, now that defeat is no longer a possible danger, there is a possibility that there may not be the cohesion which is absolutely necessary if we want to make a success in the greater task of peace,” said General Smuts, in a speech at the meeting in London of the British Commonwealth delegates to the world security conference. “There are many indications, some perhaps passing and some more serious, that there is not that spirit among the Allies which should make San Francisco as great a certainty as the victory in the war,” he said. “It is necessary for us to stick together to the end. "I think the plan that was worked out at Dumbarton Oaks corresponds more to realities than the situation as it developed since the great days of the League of Nations. We have learned the lesson that if we want to avoid war we must be prepared to wage it, and also that the peaceful nations must be kept-4pgether in association to maintain the peace. “These are two valuable lessons. We have now seen that they who wield the power must carry special responsibility. Some concessions, as I see it, must be made by the smaller Powers. The League Covenant proceeded on the basis of equality for all, big and small. That was so in status, but in function we are not all equal. VICTORY YET TO BE WON "San Francisco is not a certainty yet. We still have to win that last and greatest of all victories. If San Francisco fails, then I see nothing but stark disaster before mankind. “As far as the Commonwealth is concerned, I think it is perhaps the most important group in the world, though not the most powerful. If we go under others will go under, and it will not only be we who suffer. “We have internal difficulties; we know how scattered we are, and also that our sea power is no longer supreme; we know we are not the greatest air power; we know that, with vast assets, responsibilities, and opportunities for human good, we are in a somewhat insecure position; and I hope that while we should not be selfish at San Francisco we shall bear in mind that we stand for something very great in the order of the world and the progress of mankind.”