BRITAIN WILL SIGN

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIV, Issue 16703, 21 July 1928, Page 5

BRITAIN WILL SIGN

WORLD PEACE TREATY SELF-DEFENCE PROVISO AMERICA COMMENDS REPLY fElec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.l iAustralian and N.Z. Preen Association.! WASHINGTON, July 19. The State Department has released the text of Great Britain's acceptance of the multilateral treaty, in which the Empire has retained freedom of action relative to "certain regions, the welfare and integrity of which"" constitute vital interests for our peace and safety." This is locally regarded as a refereace to Suez, Egypt, and India, and an acceptable definition of "self defence.". Sir Austen Chamberlain declared: — "Great Britain will accept the ireaty in the form proposed and will be glad to sign at such time and place' 13 is .indicated by the United States. The whole Empire is unable to sign any treaty undermining the league of Nations, aid the Locarno treaty. It is evident the United States treaty offers no possible conflict. 1 am in accord with the view that the proposed treaty will neither restrict nor impair the right of selfdefence; likewise, that each State alone is competent to decide when the circumstances necessitate recourse to war."

The texts of the replies from Canada. Australia, South Africa, New Zealand, and India are substantially the same. The newspapers commend Sir Austen Chamberlain's reply. DOMINIONS' POSITION RESTRICTED OBLIGATIONS [Australian and N.Z Press Association.} LONDON, July 20. The Daily Telegraph's diplomatic correspondent notes that New Zealand and India,.ire content to associate themselves with the Note of the London Government, while the Australian and South African Governments base their acceptance upon independent consideration and their own obligations, which are more restricted than Britain's"

AUSTRALIA'S REPLY

CANBERRA, July 20.-

The Commonwealth Government lias accepted the treaty for the renunciation of war, with the assurance therein contained that the right of self-defence by a signatory State remains unimpaired by signature to the treaty and must also be regarded as not inconsistent with the League of Nati6ns covenant.

CAN STOP WAR AMERICA AND BRITAIN- - ■» ■ ■ f ■ •Australian and N.Z. Press AssoJauoaj WASHINGTON, July 19. "Obviously, ;if the great nations insist on going to war, neither treaties'nor pacts will prevent them, but, if greatest Powers in the world—Britain and America —agreed to stop war and refused credits and supplies, there is absolutely no question but .that" they could stop war," declared Sir Esme Howard, in a speech to the British Legion meeting. "Can anyone dispute that, if these two agreed/ they could practically outlaw war? I hope, they will."