A PEACE MISSION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22708, 21 April 1937, Page 12

A PEACE MISSION

With characteristic courage and directness, Mr. Lansbury has carried to Berlin his proposal for a new world conference in the interests of peace. He had already discussed it with President Roosevelt, M. Blum of France, Dr. van Zeeland of Belgium, and Scandinavian Prime Ministers, none of whom rejected it. To talk it over with Herr Hitler was ! to take an important step further. | Although* no longer Leader of the Labour Opposition in the House of Commons, Mr. Lansbury had by these earlier efforts acquired a personal standing that gave weight to his proposal when submitted in Berlin, and his transparent sincerity would be a special asset in this latest and very critical interview. He is evidently well pleased with its outcome, and a communique from Berlin has supported his hope that Germany will co-operate. According to this official statement, Germany will not exclude herself from any international co-operation promising success. The qualification, while one that could reasonably be made by any nation, has particular importance in this case. Mr. Lansbury has thought it well to say that, in the Berlin interview, the question of Russian participation was not raised, and the attitude to be taken by the Soviet Government cannot be of no consequence to Germany. Nor is Mr. Lansbury sanguine about President Roosevelt's willingness to call the proposed conference. It is encouraging up to a point, on the other hand, that Italy is impressed by Germany's willingness, although Italian officials are non-committal about their country's co-operation. To have been so active in a good cause is greatly to Mr. Lansbury's credit. There cannot be too many sincere toilers for peace. In spite of a realisation of the obstacles to success, his enthusiasm must be said to merit it. The Berlin communique provides a basis for officially extending the scope of his well-intentioned mission. Should this happen, much may be accomplished.