ANTI-WAR PLANS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16623, 16 April 1928, Page 7

ANTI-WAR PLANS

OPINIONS IN BRITAIN DIFFICULTIES IN THE WAY CAREFUL S( "RUTINr PROMISED (Elcc Tel. Copyright—Unito.il Props Assn.) (Australian and N.Z. Press Association. 1 LONDON, April 14. In Sir Austen Chamberlain's absence, official comment on America's anti-war Note is not given, but it will demand most careful scrutiny. The best principle underlying tho Note' will be warmly welcomed, because it accords with 15] itain's settled after-war policy. The British consideration may be prolonged not owing to lukewarmness, but because the Dominions must be consulted. I'iesponsible Ministers are more critical than the official wireless indicates. The Daily Telegraph says the Powers are bound "to ask themselves whether the whole system of safeguarding peace, of which the covenant of the League of Nations is the foundation, shall be overthrown if the American formula, is accepted, and there will be an end of certain definite commitments by which most of the Powers are at present bound. Their entrance into these commitments has been regarded hitherto as highly substantial guarantees of peace. The Telegraph's diplomatic correspond dent points out, that a prompt reply is asked for, but Britain will have to consult the Dominions as to what, specific modification, it any, would he required in the case of the Empire. The Morning Post asks if France were to dream again of an Empire in Central or South America, would the United States submit such an issue to independent, arbitration? The Post adds: -'All civilised nations desire peace, especially after the bitter experiences of the Great War. If there is any hesitation in accepting amiable overtures it is because no Government desires to.enter into engagement,? which they could not keep without peril lo the interests of their own people." The Daily Chronicle says the. real difficulty lies in special treaties existing between European countries having behind them military conventions. Here France is in a peculiarly awkward position. Her policy during many years has been based on a network of alliances contracted with individual States.