THE NEXT STEP TO PEACE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19806, 29 November 1927, Page 10

THE NEXT STEP TO PEACE.

Geneva becomes again the centre of the world's interest as the delegates to the preparatory commission on disarmament assemble for the resumption of its absorbing business. Speculation is keen as to its chances of producing a draft convention for submission to the projected League conference. The presence of Russian representatives will give the occasion a special character. Hitherto the Soviet Government has not merely held aloof: it has been openly contemptuous of this effort to promote international peace. Whether its representatives will helpfully cooperate 111 the commission's proceedings is somewhat doubtful. It is understood that their Government has made no attempt so far to furnish details of Russian armaments. There is bound to be a demand at the commission for these details, however; and should they be forthcoming—and a readiness to assist be displayed by the Soviet's representatives—a distinct advance should be made on anything the commission has so far done. Another fact of importance is suggested by the Ob server's reference to the Protocol's being "buried as a tactical mistake." Its reintroduction into discussion by the smaller Powers when the League Assembly met in September produced some embarrassment. In particular, it arrayed them against Britain as the chief obstacle to all round understanding. Sir Austen Chamberlain's outspoken explanation of Britain's policy did much to allay their suspicion; but whether they will all regard the Protocol as finally "buried" remains to be seen. That Assembly discussion nevertheless cleared the air a good deal. The commission will have in mind also the rock on which the Naval Arms Conference split. This experience, coupled with the Assembly's discussion of the Protocol and the new element of Russian participation, gives the possibility of a fresh departure. Great interest, therefore, attaches to the commission's reassembling. It will find Lord Cushendun occupying the plage so long filled by Lord Cecil, but Britain's policy will not suffer any material change on that account. It is likely to retain its leading position in the deliberations, a position favourable to all practicable means of fostering peace.