PEACE AND THE NAVY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LVI, Issue 17255, 3 September 1919, Page 6

PEACE AND THE NAVY.

The ratification of the peacetreaty by the Parliament of New Zealand is more than a mere form. It sets the seal upon the privilege conferred on the Dominion in inviting her to send a delegate to assist in framing the treaty, and it demonstrates afresh the international status to which the country has risen as a result of its war efforts. The House of Representatives, therefore, did well to devote the early hours of the session to a serious consideration of the instrument which means so much to civilisation. Mr. Massey and Sir Joseph Ward, who can always be depended upon to rise to such an occasion, put the debate on a high level, and although slight differences of opinion could be traced in their utterances they were one in their approval of the broad principles of the treaty. Happily also they were united in emphasising that the state of peace

the Empire now enjoys depends on its preparedness for war. The League of Nations is a noble and a hopeful experiment, but no greater disservice could be done to it than to lean too heavily upon its still untried machinery. E%ch of the great Powers has felt the necessity of protecting itself by some guarantee apart from the league. France has the promise of Britain and America that they will < defend her against German aggression. America has specifically reserved the l&onroe Doctrine. Britain has her navy and she neither desires nor needs another shield. Till the League of Nations has proved its potency Britain must maintain her command of the seas, and it is a hopeful sign for New Zealand's participation in her naval effort that both the Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition should be found emphasising the need for preparedness.