NAVAL DISARMAMENT.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20960, 25 August 1931, Page 13

NAVAL DISARMAMENT.

Sir, —Tho Auckland Navv League has frequently expressed a very decided opinion that, whilst in full accord with tho widespread desire for pcaco among tho nations, the conditions at present existing throughout tho world indicate that we are by no means free from the menaco of war, and further, while agreeing for tho need of a considerable amount of disarmament, it is strongly of the opinion that-British disarmament has pono on at too great a pace and has seriously weakened tho possibilities of our maintaining peace as has so often been dono by the strength of tho British Navy. Tho point has been strongly urged that other nations havo not reciprocated in accord with tho disarmament of tho British forces and we must call a halt. A striking confirmation of theso views is contained in tho following remarks of the Bishop of Gloucester, who recently explained in tho Diocesan Magazine why he refused to give unqualified acceptance to invitations to take tho chair at meetings in connection with the Lambeth Conference resolution on peace and tho general question of disarmament. "There is a great deal of unrest about," ho states, "and if this country and the British Empire ceaso to bo able themselves there is no doubt at all that they would be exposed to very great danger. So far as regards the preservation of peace in the world, I would do everything that I could to promote it, but it eoems to mo that in all these movements thero is a dangerous side. Tho enthusiasm for peace which prevails among a section of the people of this country has not 6proad very widely in tho world. I am, therefore, unable to take the chair at any such meetings unless it is recognised that I should take tho opportunity of emphasising the following points: Thai all disarmament must bo reciprocal; that without sea power the British Empire is vulnerable. It is still imperative for us to bo strong at sea, and wo ought to bo supreme If it were not for tho protection offered by tho British Fleet, piracy would rapidly grow up almost all over the world, and that tho Soviet Republic of. Russia are only prevented by the "uncertainty of the issue from attempting to extend their principles which, to most of us, seem to bo destructive of civilised society. I believe that in tho vea.rs before tho Great War, if wo had "been prepared to meet the menaco of Germany by spending £100,000,000 on tho strengthening of our Navy, we might very probably have prevented that war, and havo saved ourselves and the rest of ■Europe all the terrible burden which has resulted from it." A. G. Lunn,

President.