EQUALITY OF ARMS FOR EUROPE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19622, 17 October 1933, Page 7

EQUALITY OF ARMS FOR EUROPE

BRITISH PLANS AT GENEVA VIEWS OF INTERNATIONAL STATESMANSHIP British Official Wireless RUGBY, October 14. Sir John Simon, in his statement to the Bureau of the Disarmament Conference, said that in speaking of new re-armament, he did not mean to dispute the reasonableness of the claims that the transformation of the German Reichswehr into a short service army, even of twice the present numerical strength, would have the effect of reducing its quality and discipline. Great Britain earnestly desired to establish, by International agreement, a condition of equality status. He felt he could speak plainly and frankly, for the time had gone by for glossing over difficulties by vague optimistic utterances. A system of disarmament, frankly entered into, and loyally carried out, would be of the greatest value to the world, and It was equally clear that nothing was to be gained by interminable discussions, which did not face the essential matters on which differences still existed. Progressive Disarmament. Sir John Simon added that Mr Arthur Henderson had suggested that a Permanent Disarmament Commission might be set up as soon as the Convention was signed, without waiting for ratification. “If this suggestion were found feasible, it should be welcome, for it aims at shortening the period of actual disarmament, and the period in which equality would be effectively reached. It was a matter of close consideration to determine how much of the eight years would be needed for the initial steps. The transformation of armies involved technical questions, which would move to timetables, and meantime the real feeling of confidence should develop, and the day brought nearer when the whole plan is agreed to. and is in due process of execution. Without binding myself finally to the length of the first stage, I repeat that a period of four years was mentioned by several Governments. although others have raised the question whether it should not be somewhat shortened. Whatever the length of the first stage may be, it is essential to make it clear that the Convention itself should have to contain at the time of its signature, a detailed scheme of disarmament provided for, as the first result to be obtained, by the time its full period of. say. eight years, comes to an end. The result of the abolition of various kinds of armaments and of prohibitions against their further use, will be to constitute a common list of permitted arms, which would become the same for all countries, and thus the differential position of the Powers whose armaments are limited by the peace treaty would finally cease." Supporting Speakers. Mr Norman Davis said the United States called for an immediate decision on quantitative equality in armaments. This should primarily be sought through a reduction In the armaments of the heavily armed Powers, and not through the attempts of other nations to build up to their level. Signor di Soragna said Italy approved in the main of Sir John Simon’s views. M. Paul Boncour insisted on the necessity of the control indicated. It was the view of the French Government that a trial period of four years was certainly necessary. It was not only justified by the uncertainty of the present political situation, but as a test of the value of control. The aim of the Convention was not only to prevent any nation from re-arming, but to make other Powers disarm. That was the only possible way to reach equality of status between the nations. Herr Rheinbaden (Germany) said: "The views of my Government are well known. Two principles are Involved. The first is effective and substantial disarmament, and the second the full and Immediate application of the principle of equality of rights. As far as the second principle is concerned, no discussion should be possible; its justice is self-evident. As to the first, discussion now centres upon the quantitative disarmament, and it is simply and purely a question of figures.” Decision of Bureau. The Bureau of the Disarmament Conference decided that Sir John Simon's statement should be transmitted to the General Commission for immediate discussion on Monday afternoon. This occasion will provide an opportunity of testing the nature of world opinion as it stands in the light of the latest developments.