LEAGUE OF THE NATIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 16980, 14 October 1918, Page 6

LEAGUE OF THE NATIONS

PRINCIPAL WAR AIM.

DISARMAMENT PROPOSALS.

GERMANY MUST LEAD THE WAY.

Australian and N.Z. Cablo Association. (Reed. 5.5 p.m.) . LONDON. Oct. 11.

Viscount Grey, formerly Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs, after two years of silence, addressed a crowded meeting in support of the League of Nations in the Central Hall. The Archbishops of Canterbury and York, and other notable public men were on the platform. The meeting was one of the largest held in London during the war period. Thousands o? people were turned away. A second hall, engaged for the overflow, also lacked accommodation.

Viscount Grey received an enthusiastic reception.

Mr. G. N. Barnes, who presided, said a league of nations was in a sense the main war aim, but could enly enduro after Prussianiam had been subjugated. •Viscount Grey said 'the latest pence overtures marked a vast advance. He believed peace was' within sight, but not yet within reach. The country must meantime give united support to the Government. The League of Nations could not be regarded as a substitute for the successful termination of the war, but when they reached the stage that the actual conduct of the war was no longer a source of absorbing interest, • the allied Governments would have time and energy to devote to the great subject. The League must be formed tit tho conclusion of peace; if it wore delayed the chance of its formation would be gone. Tho League did not aim at keeping out Ger- ! many, but no insincere nation would bo i admitted to H.

Viscount Grey said that he agreed with the President of the United States that each member of the League of Nations should settle its own fiscal policy, but must ally it equaljy with all the members of the League. An economic boycott, if brought into existence by the allies, should be kept in reserve as a part of the League's machinery in order to deter any attempt at breaking faith as a member of the League.' Germany led the way in armaments, and must now lead the way in disarmament. We Could not have any talk of disarmament until Germany disarmed. The League should deal with any governments forcing the pace in armaments. The League could provide an international force to enable action to be taken against any wrongdoer. The sufferings of the present wars and a realisation of the 'possible horrors of future wars would . convince the world that a repetition must be avoided at all costs. This conviction would supply the I motive power for the League of Nations.

Viscount Grey agreed that Mr. Wilson's reply to the German peace Note was firm and wise. We must know where the real seat of power in Germany lay.