SHELVED?

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12453, 22 May 1926, Page 4

SHELVED?

DISARMAMENT QUESTION FRANCE AND ALLIES UNWILLING NO FAITH IN LOCARNO By Telegraph.—Press Assn.—Copyright. Australian and N.Z. Cable Association LONDON, May 21. The diplomatic correspondent of the Daily Telegraph” states that he understands that the Disarmament Commission is adjourning from Saturday, possibly until after the meeting of the League of Nations Assembly. This is, of course, tantamount to the indefinite shelving of the whole disarmament question. Recognition of this will cause bitter disappointment in America, Britain, and Scandinavia, though numerous Continental Powers will heave a sigh of relief. These nations throughout have been determined to side-track disarmament. The matter will now be transmitted to sub-committees, which virtually consist of the League’s technical organisations, plus German and American experts. Continental Europe, particularly that group including France anil her Eastern allies and the Russian border States, has not yet the will for disarmament, though the French Government is desirous of avoiding an open conflict with London and Washington'. France accordingly has ensured that a preparatory commission shall flirosh out the question of disarmament, or show the futility of summoning a plenary conference. DISTURBING FACTORS It must he admitted that the prosent state of Europe favours the French _ opinions, such as the refusal of Russia to attend' the Disarmament Conference, the civil war in Poland, and the fact that Germany is still outside the League. France still considers thnt the security provided at Locarno is inadequate. Viscount Cecil’s pacific spirit has not evoked the slightest response from France and Italy in connection with submarines, and even on the seas disarmament is a very slow and partial process.

BRITAIN’S FIXED POLICY

NO WAR, EXCEPT IN DEFENCE “PEOPLE PERMIT NO OTHER.” Reuter’s Telegram. (Received May 21, 8.5 p.m.) GENEVA, May 20. At the sitting of the Disarmament Commission, Viscount Cecil (Great Britain) warmly approved the declaration of Count Bernstorff (Germany) that the League of Nations had entirely changed the aspect of the question of disarmament. He said he could not imagine any circumstances in which the British Government would make war against any member of the League, or any civilised Power, except in pursuance of the Covenant, unless there should be an actual attack on the British Empire, which was not within contemplation at all. He believed that whatever Government was in power in England that would certainly he its best policy, and the people of tho country would permit no other. The British Government earnestly desired that every country should proceed with voluntary disarmament. They must get down to definite practical proposals.