CHURCH SPEAKS

Taranaki Daily News, 3 September 1935, Page 7

CHURCH SPEAKS

WAR DANGER FACED CHALLENGE TO LEAGUE EMPLOYMENT OF FORCE BRITAIN’S WORD PLEDGED WILL POPE INTERVENE? By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright. London, Sept. 2. “If the effectiveness of the League Covenant demands the employment of armed forces we should be prepared, to use them,” declared the Archbishop of York in a broadcast address. “There is nothing unchristian in that. It is the only way of carrying out the Christian duty of using the law within its sanctions in order to secure justice. “The League’s employment of force against an aggressive member is no more war than a baton charge by police against a destructive mob is a-police riot. There must be no doubt about our purpose to operate the League machinery if our neighbours will join us. We have pledged our word and must not break it.” The Bjshop of Liverpool recalls that Abyssinia became a member of the League largely at Italy’s desire, and adds that when the issue is transferred to Geneva a new temper may appear, almost certainly entailing a delay. The Bishop of Ripon emphasises that the present situation violently challenges the League and threatens civilisation. The Bishop of Southwell appeals to public opinion to support Britain’s declaration of readiness to take a full share of collective responsibility. The Bishop of Gloucester expresses the opinion that if the Suez Canal is closed against Italians it will mean an immediate war, in which the Italians may find, allies as yet undisclosed, dr will entail bitter resentment, eventually producing war. CONFERENCE SUGGESTED.. Mr. George Lansbury, Leader of the Labour Party, addressing a peace meeting at London, suggested an international round-table- conference to discuss the pooling of resources of raw material. Britain should lead the way and offer to pool the resources within the Empire with nations willing to pool the resources outside. Ample key materials were available for everyone. If war were unavoidable Britain should act only collectively. , The Trade Union Congress held a demonstration in favour of peace at the annual congress at Margate. Sir Oswald Mosley, addressing 3000 Fascists at Manchester, declared that no sane Englishman wanted war. Personally, he favoured granting Italy a mandate over Abyssinia. A Cape Town message says that Durban women are pursuing a campaign against supplying foodstuffs to nations contemplating war, and announce a boycott of stores connected with firms interested in the recently concluded Italian Mr. O. Pirow, South African Minister of Defence, questioned regarding neutrality, replied: “If attacked and fired upon we would fire back without consultation either of the people or of the Cabinet. If war is declared in the usual way not one of your sons will be permitted to fire a shot without the people being consulted.” It is believed that the Pope, may intervene in the Abyssinian dispute, through Signor Mussolini’s Jesuit adviser, Father Pietro Tacchiventuri, whom he received in audience with Cardinal Pacelli, says a cable from the Vatican City. ( IN TOUCH WITH BRITAIN NEW ZEALAND’S POLICY (By Wire—Parliamentary Reporter.) Wellington, Last Night. / Asked to-night whether he could indicate the attitude of the New Zealand Government in relation to the dispute between Italy and Abyssinia, the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. G. W. Forbes, said that in the very delicate situation that existed and which would be considered by the Council of the League of Nations on Wednesday next, he felt that it would be inadvisable at this stage to make’■■any public comment beyond stating that the New Zealand Government was keeping in close touch with the British Government. Asked whether Parliament would be afforded an opportunity of discussing the situation, especially in regard to the provisions of the Covenant of the League of Nations, Mr Forbes said that the debate on the Address-in-Reply would provide an early and appropriate opportunity for members of, Parliament to express their views. “Indeed,” said Mr. Forbes, “the Government would very much welcome an expression of members’ views on the very difficult questions involved,- and I hope that members will take advantage of the debate on the Address-in-Reply.