DANGER IN DISARMAMENT

Taranaki Daily News, 23 May 1928, Page 9

DANGER IN DISARMAMENT

NEED FOR CONCERTED ACTION. BRITAIN CANNOT MOVE ALONE. By Telegraph—Press Assn—Copyright. Received May 22, 10 p.m. United Service. London, May 22. The Prime Minister, Mr. Baldwin, in acknowledging a petition containing 100,000 signatures, asking acceptance of the 1919 standard of disarmament as the basis of general disarmament, wrote to the National Council for the Prevention of War stating that the maintenance of peace and the prevention of war inspired the whole foreign policy of the Government. Mr. Baldwin hoped still further t< reduce armaments through the common action and agreement with other nations, ff Britain alone proceeded further to disarm there was no guarantee that others would follow her example, and no British Government dare run this risk. It would make her a prey to hostile forces, excite cupidity and hostile intention, and encourage instead of prevent war. Further disarmamentary steps must be the result of the combined action of all countries. The Government would co-operate in work of this nature but it was impossible to pledge in advance that any given standard of disarmament will be adopted.