LIMA CONFERENCE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23692, 27 December 1938, Page 9

LIMA CONFERENCE

A FRESH DIFFICULTY DECLARATION OF SOLIDARITY REPUDIATED BY ARGENTINE (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) LIMA, Dec. 23. A new difficulty broke out at the Lima conference when, according to the New York Times, the Argentine repudiated solidarity with the draft, asserting that the conference chairman gave out the text without awaiting Argentine approval. The Argentine is reported to feel that the action was taken for the purpose of forcing her to participate in unanimous approval. The New York Times is informed that the inside story is i;hat the published text is virtually the same which the Argentine was willing to accept last week, although other delegates were unwilling. .Hence, when the others decided to concede in order to satisfy the Argentine, it was felt that the latter would not refuse to sign the draft acceptable last week. The chairman went ahead without consulting the Argentine. It was a sad tactical mistake, for the Argentine, due to trade ties in Europe, is watchful lest it will not be accorded equal rank with the United States, and so far it has blocked and hindered most of the conference efforts. It is certain that the chairman's blunder will ony magnify this attitude and increase the Argentine's distrust of United States domination. "TEMPEST IN A TEAPOT" ARGENTINIANS' SIGN LIMA, Dec. 23. (Received Dec. 26, at 6.30. p.m.) The Argentine repudiation of the solidarity declaration has proved a tempest in a teapot. Ttu Argentinians, after considering the matter throughout the day, are signing with the delegates of the other 20 republics. THE DECLARATION SIGNED THUNDEROUS APPLAUSE LIMA, Dec. 25. (■Received Dec. 26, at 11 p.m.) The heads of the delegations to the Pan-American Conference signed for submission to a plenary session the declaration of solidarity, known as the Declaration of Lima. Under this declaration 21 American republics reaffirm continental solidarity and the maintenance of its principles. The signatories declare that if the peace of one of them is threatened they will consultativelv co-ordinate on the necessary measures. A packed assembly thunderously applauded the formal ratification of the declaration, which Mr Cordell Hull hailed as an outstanding achievement. Addressing the conference, Mr Hull issued a warning to "aggressive, power-hungry nations" that 21 American republics will stand as one against any attempt to encroach upon or destroy democracy in the western hemisphere. He called attention to the critical world situation, and attacked violators of treaties and international law, who " are threatening the peoples of the world with destruction and the horrors of armed conflict." In the midst of this, Mr Hullsaid the American nations must remain firm in solidarity and.be prepared to resist any efforts from abroad to destroy PanAmerican democracy. "It can fairly be said that the principles of conduct on which we have chosen to stand firm are so broad that it is essential that all the world may also stand upon them. My country seeks universal recognition and support for them. Were they adopted throughout the world great fear would end.

He also issued a warning that the world was faced with one of the most critical situations since 1914, and attributed most of the difficulty to economic nationalism.