RULE OF FORCE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23435, 26 August 1939, Page 16

RULE OF FORCE

POLICY TO RESIST BRITISH DETERMINATION APPEAL FOIi REASON CONSTRUCTIVE DESIRE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright LONDON, Auk. 2-1 "I earnestly hope that reason will prevail in the face of the eon sequences of resort to force, and, before an unretraetahle stop is taken, 1 pray that the appeals of the Pope and Mr. Roosevelt may find a response in the hearts of men," said the Foreign Secretary, Viscount Halifax, broadcasting to the world on Mr. Chamberlain's statement in the House of Commons. Tracing the history of the GormnnoPolish minority disputfe, Lord Halifax said that if causes for complaints existed, let them be coolly examined before world opinion was worked up to make settlement a hundred times more difficult. ' "Deeper Causes" "I am confident that the Poles are ready at all times to discuss differences with Germany, free from the menace of force," he added. "The problem ought not to be incapable of settlement, but tlie real difficulty springs from deeper causes. "It must be remembered that the ■ life of all nations depends on mutual respect for each other's rights. Britain throughout history has felt bound to oppose attempts of one Power to dominate Europe at tbe expense of another, for which reason we have pledged assistance to threatened countries, including Poland. "It is not the British way to go back on obligations," he continued. "Now that the possibility of conflict exists, we have made the position perfectly clear. The twin foundations of British policy are a determination to resist force, and a desire to push on constructive! work of building peace. This cannot be achieved -until the gospel of force is abandoned. Principles to be Defended '"'Adjustment of differences by negotiation instead of by force, and respect for the pledged word are the principles we will defend if trouble comes. "We have never had. nor have today, the remotest intention of attacking Germany. Jf German policy could only be directed toward restoring contvdenco bv a willingness to negotiate, <ve ask nothing better than to help |ier resolve her difficulties, as well as mir own and world problems heeding solution." He added: "If German-British misunderstanding is to be removed there must be some certainty about the future of Europe. Therefore we feel obliged to resist any attempt to alter the map of Europe by force. If we fail to uphold the liberties of others, we run the risk of betraying the principles of liberty, and our freedom and independence Responsibilities to Future "I have no doubt that those on whom rests the issue of peace or war will measure their responsibilities to present and future generations before precipitating a struggle involving many nations in Europe, the duration of which cannot be foreseen, and by which those standing aside from active participation will be vitally affected. "I feel certain that the Government's attitude will meet with the unanimous approval of the people. I have no doubt that the whole country will support measures we may be obliged to take for defence of the cause of just dealing between nations, and the preservation of honourable freedom in the world." . IN FACE OF DANGER BRITONS STAND TOGETHER (Received August 20, «.10 p.m.) British Wireless LONDON, Aug. 21 Speaking in the House of Lords, Lord Snell said that, as far as the Labour Party was concerned, no words would be used which would give any sort of comfort to those who were hoping to see iii England a disunited people. When danger threatened, he added, the British people stood together as one. The issue at stake in Europe was whether freedom, built up by years of trial ami effort and suffering, should be preserved.