EUROPE’S BAFFLING PROBLEMS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19523, 24 June 1933, Page 17

EUROPE’S BAFFLING PROBLEMS

DO NATION WISH TO DISARM? GREAT POWERS’ ATTITUDE DISCUSSED British Official Wireless (Received June 23, 5.5 p.m.) RUGBY, June 22. Captain Eden (Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs) speaking at Peterborough, expressed the view that the problems of the Disarmament Conference were just those that had baffled post-war Europe, and had played a significant part in every phase of history, namely, the relation of the Powers of Western Europe. If, for instance, an agreement could be reached between France and Germany, on the basis of the British draft convention, upon which the Conference now at work, other difficulties would no doubt adjust themselves, around the nucleus of this common accord. Without such an agreement, no real progress was possible. It was the task of British statesmanship to do all In its power to make such an agreement possible. Pacified Europe was the British objective, and for this Britain voluntarily undertook a very serious obligation that resulted from the Locarno Treaty. It was no doubt the same motive that prompted Signor Mussolini to make his recent proposals, for a Four Power Pact, an act of statesmanship for which Europe has every reason to be grateful. If they could re-enter a period of European co-operation, progress would become possible, in all problems of international relations, which to-day baffled statesmanship.

NO RESTING PLACE. DOVE OF PEACE STILL ON THE WING. LONDON, June 15. “The poor dove of peace supposed to be the swiftest of birds, with the straightest of flights has Journeyed for 10 years without nearing its destination," said Mr Lloyd George at Carnarvon.

“The world has lavished huge sums on establishing a dovecote at Geneva, which already crawls with snails. Similarly, despite the Conference’s denouncing of economic war, there has been no economic disarmament."

Mr Lloyd George went on to say that if the Economic Conference succeeds it will be splendid, but if it fails, it will not be an irrevocable disaster, provided the failure is not masked in a series of resolutions resolving nothing. “We must give the world a chance of saving itself, of which it is quite capable. The cause of peace was never greater nor was the need for courageous and intelligent advocacy.”