CENSURE OF FORCE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 18975, 27 March 1936, Page 6

CENSURE OF FORCE

BRITISH OPINION GERMANS' DIRECT ACTION REASSURANCE REQUIRED ANTHONY KDK.X FRANK SURVEY OF OBLIGATIONS (British Oftleinl Wireless.) Reed. 1.30 p.m. RUGBY, March 26. The House of Commons was crowded this afternoon for the eagerly-awaited statement by the Foreign Secretary, Mr. Anthony Eden, at the beginning of the debate on the international situation. The galleries were full and among the diplomatists and distinguished foreigners present were the French and German Ambassadors, and Mr. Norman Davis, the chief American representative at the London Naval Conference. Prefacing his statement with the explanation that lie proposed to use frankness and freedom unusual in a speech on international affairs, in older to put the situation and its problem before tho British people in a clear and true perspective, Mr. Eden declared that they must distinguish between what might bo national sentiment and what were, for good or ill. the national obligations. He believed the judgment, of the British people, even those who thought Germany had a strong] case, was to deprecate that she had chosen to present it by force, and not by reason.

Turning to the position of Britain, he reminded the House' that the country was not freely and happily placed as an arbiter, but was a guarantor with definite commitments. "1 am not prepared to be the first British Foreign Secretary to go back on Britain's signature," he continued. NOT AN ULTIMATUM

Cuming to the proposals of the four Locarno Powers designed lo bridge the period before negotiations, the Foreign Secretary repeated that the proposals were not nil ultimatum or a dictate, and if the German Government could offer alternative suggestions (he British Governinenl would In- prepared to take them to the other Powers for consideration, but it must be appreciated that, without some constructive contribution from the German side, the task of those whose sole aim and ambition was to start negotiations would be almost impossible. The middle part of Mr. Eden's speech was devoted lo an explanation of tinBritish contributions to the security of France and Belgium provided in the four-l'ower proposals, and particularly to the clarification of the suggested stall conversations.

The first contribution was for the period pending the negotiations, the second would be part of the general settlement which they hoped would come out uI the negotiations, and the third was in even! of a breakdown of the negotiations.

The first was designed to compensate loss of security suffered by France and Belgium, and would be strictly limited and clearly defined by the obligations under the Locarno Treaty. STAFF CONV ERSATIONS

Wherever staff conversations were mentioned in the proposals, it was clear ly shown that they applied only to a ease of unprovoked aggression.

lie hoped Iliiil these conditions would never arise, hut he was confident they were much less likely to arise if the British position was made perfectly

In the case of the undertaking into which Britain was prepared to enter as part of the final settlement, guarantees between the Powers of Western Europe would be reciprocal and Britain would receive, as well as give, guarantees and share in the security, as well as in the risk. The new guarantees would be open to all the signatories to the Locarno Treaty, including Germany, and similarly open to all would be the suggested supplementary staff conversations. Summing up the effect of the assurances given to France and Belgium in the event of a failure of conciliation, Sir. Eden said that, except in respect of the parts of Europe covered by the Locarno obligations, the British engagements were precisely the same as those of any other member of the League of Nations, and in respect of the area covered by the Locarno Treaty, there were no new commitments, but only arrangements for a more effectual fulfilment of the commitments already existing. THREEFOLD OBJECTIVE

The (lovcriiment's objectives, Mr. Eden continued, were threefold. The first was to avert (lie danger of war. The second was to create conditions in which negotiations could take place, and the third was to bring about- the success of these negotiations, so that they might strengthen collective security, facilitate Germany's return to the League, and. in a happier atmosphere, allow those larger negotiations on economic matters and arms limitation which were indispensable to the appeasement of Europe to take place. What were the chances of fulfilling that programme? he asked. Much clearly depended on Herr Hitler's proposals next week.

"We know that the Chancellor, who lias, I believe, appreciated the efforts which the British Government has made, will understand with what anxiety Europe awaits these proposals, " continued Mr. Eden. They could not ensure peace unless France was ready to approach, with an open mind, the problems which still separated her from Germany. Mr, Eden concluded with an appeal for a united policy and it common purpose, and support, irrespective of party, for efforts to maintain peace.

Mr. Lloyd Goorge said lie thought the proposals for stall' conversations were exceedingly dangerous.

Sir Austen Chamberlain said the issue was whether, in future, the law of lone should prevail, or whether for it should be substituted the force of law.