“DISASTER TO BRITAIN”

New Zealand Times, Volume L, Issue 11659, 25 October 1923, Page 7

“DISASTER TO BRITAIN”

IF GERMANY DISSOLVES. GENERAL SMUTS’S APPEAL.

By Tdecrr-nh.—Press Assn.—Copyrieht. Reuter’s Telegram.

(Received October 24, 10.50 p.m.) LONDON, October 23.

General Smuts, for a responsible statesman, delivered an unusually outspoken speech at the South African Luncheon Olub. At the outset, he referred to the Imperial Conferences, and said the preferences which the Government had already announoed were going to be a very great advantage in development. They did not amount, however, to what was called “Imperial preference.” Dealing with the European situation, he advocated a conference of the Governments of the Powers mainly interested in reparations, and declared that neither the Reparations Commission nor the Council of the League of Nations possessed sufficient authority to deal with them. He foresaw that the decisions of such a Conference, regarding the holding of which negotiations were afoot, might result in the parting of the ways. Tile absence of any Power should not prevent the retst forgathering. It was vitally important that the United States should attend as an active member. REPARATIONS TOO HIGH.

The reparations figure, he said, was generally recognised to be too high, but the moot competent authorities agreed that a reasonable figure was dischargeable without considerable difficulty, if only political questions such as the Ruhr occupation were out of the way. He strongly supported the British Government in its view that the French occupation was illegal under the Versailles Treaty, and warned British industrialists against participation in- any of the Ruhr spoils. The speech largely consisted of criticism of the present French policy, although he went out of his wav to express admiration and sympathy with the French people. He emphasised that, however France might regard the prospect of Germany’s dissolution, it would be a first-class and irreparable disaster to Britain and the small countries surrounding Germany. He suggested that Britain and the Central European States oould give Germany most valuable moral support. "The Empire, which is entitled to an authoritative voice in the affairs of Europe, should make it perfectly clear, in friendly and unmistakable language, to all whom it may concern, that in certain eventualities this country will have regard for its own interests, and take whatever steps are necessary to that end, irrespective of the effect they have on an old friendship.” FRENCH ARMAMENTS.

In connection with the question of wiping cut the inter-AHied debts to Britain and America, General Smuts urged Britain not to lend aid to the further militarisation of Europe. People in Britain were already beginning to be seriously alarmed about French armaments on land and in the air. The French Government had also lent large sums to the smaller States around Germany, mainly with a view to feeding the ravenous military appetite®. General Smuts pointed out that “the black hordes of Africa have been called in to redrees the moral and political balance of tills mother continent of civilisation, and human principles are everywhere degraded.”

“DRIFT WILL BE FATAL”

DECISION MUST BE MADE.

Australian and N.Z. Cable Association.

(Received October 24, 9.35 p.m.) LONDON, October 24 In the vital passage of his speech, General Smuts said: “Drift will be fatal. The lialf-measuros, palliatives, and expedient* to which politicians resort when hard pressed will no longer avail. Either a comprehensive settlement must now be effected, or the situation will develop until it brings its own horrible Nemesis, and shocks and

shames the conscience of the whole world into action. I vote for a gallant attempt now to save Europe. T’ait.h. and courage, and statesmanship are wanted. The time has come for the convocation of a great conference of the Powers. Decisions of far-reaching importance must be taken. There may even be a parting ol tho ways, and the history of Europe may never bo the same thereafter. It will be a conference unlike any other held in Euro]>e since the Peace Conference. Its importance cannot be over-estimated. AMERICA’S INFLUENCE. “I know negotiations are afoot to bring about suoli a conference. 1 aliali, therefore, abstain from saying more, except that in my judgment it is vitally important that the United States shall bo represented ae ail active member, bearing full weight, which under tho oircumstanccs may be more deeisivo than any other Power. I have complete confidence* in America’s readiness to act at the right time. “X beg leave to day one word, in all modesty, to France. I implore her, for her own sake, as much as that of Europe, to return to the faith of the past. Let her on the day of her victory and greatness not forget her noble historic mission, as the great bearer of the liberal tradition in Europe. “I have finished. 1 have said thin® which are seldom if ever said by thoso in responsible positions, but which must ho said frankly unless all hope of European settlement has to be given