WORLD SECURITY

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16580, 22 February 1928, Page 7

WORLD SECURITY

SPIRIT OF OPTIMISM DEFINITE PROGRESS LIKELY (N.Z., and A.P.A., and Sun.) GENEVA, Feb, 21. A spirit of optimism prevailed at the opening of the Security Committee. The impression is that definite progress is at last about to be achieved. This is probably due to the fact that the problem has been brought down to the realm of realism. Certain League members see the British viewpoint more closely, while the Prague committee has accomplished valuable work in ridding the mass of original suggestions of much dross. The German ‘delegate, Ilerr Von Simson, in a half-hour’s speech, said it would be dangerous to create the impression, that there was at present no security. But mere prohibition of: wars of aggression was not sufficient. Ft. would be necessary to establish a procedure for the pacific settlement of every form .of dispute, including political, and conciliation seemed a suitable method, though lie was still convinced that disarmament was the best means of ensuring security. He added that the League Council should have means to enforce an obligatory armistice in the event of hostilities actually breaking out.

The Japanese delegate, Admiral ( a to, announced that his Governjni'iit. is at present engaged in, .the revision of reservations. He generally attacked arbitration. treaties. The Polish delegate, M. Sokol, like other speakers, emphasised the connection between security and disarmament.

When the committee adjourned there was a general opinion that the British viewpoint will probably be accepted. The Russian draft deposited by the observer, Boris Stein, consists of SO or 00 typewritten foolscap sheets.