THE LEAGUE OF RATIONS

Taranaki Daily News, 4 November 1926, Page 9

THE LEAGUE OF RATIONS

ITS AIMS AND AMBITIONS VIEWPOINT OF DOMINIONS ASSURANCE OF SUPPORT By Telegraph—Praaa Aa»—Copyright, Received Nov. 3, 8.55 p.m. London, Nov. 2. The aims and ambitions of the League f Nations Union were expounded at its dinner at the Hotel Cecil in honour of the Imperial Conference British and Dominion delegates, over which Major J. W. Hills, M.P., presided. Lord Grey, of Falloden, in proposing the toast of the League of Nations, said that the root cause of the Great War was a condition of things which had been growing up for generations in Europe. If such a position recurred, the result would be the same. The League prevented the nations from falling Into separate opposing groups and would consummate its work when Russia reached a normal condition and entered its ranks. British public opinion was not asking the Dominions to undertake special obligations regarding European questions, or even to share the British Government’s obligations regarding the Locarno Pact, To undertake such obligations half-heartedly would be to take a step towards disintegration. “But the British policy in Europe should be explained continuously in every part of the Empire,” he said. “We should make certain that our future allies were such as observed the Covenant, while our enemies were those who tried to destroy the League. That was Britain’s policy to-day.” Mr. J. R. Clynes, M.P., supporting the toast, mentioned the records of Lord Grey and himself, who nevertheless were united in the same great cause as the League. A miracle must not be expected from the League, and therefore Sir Austen Chamberlain must not lose heart. All that could be done was to lay the foundation of the world’s peace. If Capitalism tended to conflict therewith, that was all the more reason for the League to restrain Its evil tendencies. tMr. S. M. Bruce echoed Lord Grey’s hopes regarding Russia, saying that surely England could have a foreign policy outside of European difficulties. That was the natural view to be taken by those so far from Europe as the Dominions were. Surely the solution was to be found inside the Lcgaue of Nations. Mr. Lapointe announced that Canada stood loyally by the League. Viscount Cecil, in proposing the toast of the overseas visitors, pointed out that he was the only man living who had represented the Mother Country and the Dominions at the League Assembly. In regard to the reduction of armaments, he said: “It will he a task demanding all our energies. It can be accomplished only if the Empire and all its delegations earnestly support it.” Mr. Coates urged the importance of educational work throughout the world inculcating the League’s ideals. He hoped * the United States would accept membership. New Zealand would afford the League every encouragement. Sir Alan Cobham spoke from the viewpoint of aviation. He contended it woifld greatly help the League. If aviation had existed a thousand years ago there would be no frontiers, and no differences of language to-day. Lack of intercourse caused most of the international grievances. Aviation, by bringing countries together, would help to fulfil the League’s aims.