OMINOUS POSITION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22198, 27 August 1935, Page 9

OMINOUS POSITION

NATIONS' ILL-WILL COMPLICATION IN AFRICA # CONCERN OF NEW ZEALAND [BY TELKGRATH—OWN CORRESPONDKN'T] RANGIORA, Monday "The international situation is most difficult," said the Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes, when addressing his constituents at Rangiora to-night. "Indeed, it is perhaps not an exaggeration to say there is more international suspicion and ill-will, and less guarantee of continued peace, than at any time since 1914. "I do not suggest that a disaster is in any way imminent, or even probable, but it would be absurd to deny the fact that unless tho nations of the world can find some better way than at present of discussing their mutual problems, and of amicably settling their differences, the world is by no means free from the danger of another catastrophe, such as we experienced in 1914-18, although the very danger of the situation may itself produce its own solution. "The position is an exceedingly ominous one and calls for the most earnest effort of every well-thinking individual, even in such a remote community as New Zealand. "The position has become still more complicated and more difficult by reason of the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia, which threatens the very basis of the collective peace structure. We, in New Zealand, remote as we are geographically, are definitely and directly concerned. A great many people feel horrified at the thought of war. I need hardly say that tho Government shares this feeling to the full, and the people of this Dominion can relv upon it that the Government will take every step within its power, and will exert all its influence, to prevent any war in future. "I do not propose to elaborate upon tho present threatening situation of the controversy between Italy and Abyssinia further than to say that Great Britain has been foremost among all the nations in her endeavour to find a peaceful solution. The situation bristles with difficulties; but there is every reason to bo proud of the action that the British Government is taking and of its most earnest, persistent and determined efforts in the interests of peace. "In the face of very great difficulties the British Government has been steadily working toward a better understanding among the nations of the world, and we can all join in the hope that in the end ita efforts will be successful."