WORLD PEACE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23178, 26 October 1938, Page 14

WORLD PEACE

AIMS COMMON ACTION MUNICH DECLARATION STRONGEST GIJABANTEE By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright British Wireless RUGBY, Oct. 24 "I cannot doubt that to secure a settlement by which war in half the world was averted was right," declared the Foreign Secretary, Viscount Halifax, defending the Munich arrangements in a speech at Edinburgh. The world owed an incalculable debt of gratitude to Mr. Chamberlain for his unflinching perseverance in tho cause of peace and for his refusal to accept defeat.

Perhaps the most, remarkablo thing which emerged in tho crisis was the unanimous revolt of simplo folk in all countries at tho idea of war, and it was under that impulse that the four Powers took common action to avoid war and laid, as they might surely hope, a, foundation on which thoy might build better things. Analysing tho Munich declaration, Lord Halifax said that there might be eomo disposed to underrate its value, but if its spirit could be kept alive and sincerity m&de the basis on both sides of a mutual, approach so that the German and British nations would really succeed in reaching an understanding, it would be the strongest guarantee possible against the dangers to which the worl3 had been brought so close. What fie world was now witnessing was the revision of the Versailles Treaty, for which provision was made in the League Covenant, which never ■until now had been made effective.

Beferring to the negotiations between the Czechoslovak and Hungarian Governments, Lord Halifax said that Britain hoped they might reach an equitable solution which would remove or lessen racial grievances. Widespread Obligations Turning to rearmament, Lord Halifax made the point that if Britain plays its full part with others in securing peaco it must speak with equal weight. It had obligations in all parts of the world, which certainly did not diminish, end in taking the necessary precautions Britain did nothing, Lord Halifax insisted, with which others had the right to reproach it, since Britain did no more than follow their example. No one could move about the country ■without realising the wave of feeling in favour of the State making a greater call upon the service of individuals, which was powerfully affecting the minds of the people. It was not for him' to say what form the sacrifices the people were ready to make should take, but the. Government would certainly ■fariah to utilise to the full the spirit of service.

Speaking of the sacrifices that the people had shown their willingness to make for the country, Lord Halifax said that some would be of money, in 'Order to provide financial resources for ■>fhat needed to be done. Ideals Defined Defining the ideals on which a nation could unite, Lord Halifax said that the world Britain desired to see was one in which all nations could exist side by side with their jxjst rights respected by all, and their differences resolved by free discussion —a world in which men, women and children could live decent Eves, no longer haunted by the dread spectre of war. If they were ever to realise that state of affairs, Lord Halifax suggested that it was necessary to curb the tendency in certain quarters to interfere in the national affairs of other nations. It was not a British custom, and so long as others did not interfere with British affairs there should be no desire in Britain to adopt it. The main course to the desired goal, however, was clear. They must lose no opportunity to help forward the results of the personal contacts established by Mr. Chamberlain with the heads of the Governments of Germany, Italy and France. In that there was no question of abandoning old friends in the search for new.