COURAGE NEEDED

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22400, 22 April 1936, Page 13

COURAGE NEEDED

LEAGUE COUNCIL POSITION OF EUROPE SERIOUS CHANGE FEARED FRANCO-BRITISH TASK By Telegraph—Preßd Association—Copyright (Received April 21, 8.35 p.m.) LONDON, April 21 The Geneva correspondent of the News Chronicle t says that unless there is more courage shown by the League Council at its session on May 11, yesterday's proceedings may seriously change developments in Europe, including a swing-over in the Little Entente's policy from Erance to Germany. This may already have become obvious at the Little Entente's meeting at Belgrade on May 5. "France-is so frightened of losing her predominance in Europe that she is preparing to sign her death warrant and Britain is so frightened of accepting the responsibilities of greatness that she cannot grumble if other nations believe she is no longer great," says the correspondent. A message from Paris states that M. Ilerriot in a striking article in L'lnformation, savs: "The League lias been frightening with a wooden sabre and therefore has been resoundingly defeated twice —on the Rhine and in Abyssinia." M. Herriot urges France and Britain to end their quarrels without delay and rebuild the League. He says: "If Europe's house is not set in order it will mean the defeat of tho spirit of liberty and peace and the triumph of violence and defiance." LAW AGAINST FORCE SUPPORT OF PRINCIPLE BRITAIN AND THE EMPIRE Times Cable LONDON, April 20 The Times, in an editorial article, emphasises the vigour and lucidity of Mr. Eden's exposition of British foreign policy, which it says deeply impressed the Council after Baron Aloisi's absurd suggestion that Abyssinia was the aggressor and had thwarted peace efforts. Even M. Boncur joined Mr. Eden in his protest against violation of the 1925 protocol, says the Times. No speaker was prepared to return to international anarchy by abandoning the principle of mutual help against lawless aggression. This principle has the wholehearted support not only of a majority of Britons, but the British Dominions of Canada, Australia, New Zealand and South Africa demonstrated this in connection with Sir Samuel Hoare's declaration ot September. " Tho Empire can always remain united in.upholding the rule of law against force in international affairs," says the paper. " This, in the long run, will be tho wisest and most courageous course."