NATIONAL DEFENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22826, 10 March 1936, Page 9

NATIONAL DEFENCE

THE BRITISH PROPOSALS “ TIME OF GREAT ANXIETY ” (British Official Wireless) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) RUGBY, March 8. Speaking with regard to Britain's new defence proposals, the Chancellor rf the Exchequer said a representative of one of the smaller Powers in Europe, on hearing of those measures, remarked; “ That comes as a relief, because we know England Is one of the police Powers of the world." Mr Chamberlain remarked: “It may seem almost inconsistent that the most peace-loving country in the world should bo embarking on this scheme to increase armaments, but we are living in a time of great anxiety and of suen great restlessness among the nations of the world that the international situation has been steadilv deteriorating, and unless the forces that make for peace are strong they might well be unable to withstand those of others who, having acquired a giant’s strength, might be tempted to use it like a giant.” Mr Chamberlain added: “If we who now stand for peace consider it necessary to increase the strength of our defensive forces and make good those gaps and deficiencies which have been accumulating ever since 1919, it is because we feel that by putting ourselves in a position to fulfil our obligations under the Covenant of the League we are making the greatest possible contribution to the cause of peace.”