The Timaru Herald WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1934. CONTROL OF ARMAMENTS.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVIII, Issue 19944, 31 October 1934, Page 6

The Timaru Herald WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 31, 1934. CONTROL OF ARMAMENTS.

Describing Japan's naval ratio under the Washington Treaty as adequate for Nipponese needs, particularly in view of the existing treaties, the United States representative in the formal naval discussions now being conducted in London voiced the American refusal to admit Japan’s claim to naval equality. The fundamental weakness of this attitude is, of course, Japan’s disregard for the sanctity of treaties. It is being suggested by many leaders, however, that the safety of the world does not repose in treaties but in an international understanding based on the League of Nations; indeed, the RadicalSocialists in France have taken up the idea that for the maintenance of peace, the League of Nations should possess an International Air Force; in addition, that the League should become the sole possessor of armaments. It cannot be said that this suggestion has originated amongst the French Radical-Socialists, because the same principle has often been raised, not only in different countries, but by people following various political creeds. Before examining the fundamental weaknesses reposing in the suggestion itself, the case for it, including some of its advantages, can be put forward in the words used by Lord Davies in The Daily Herald, the official mouthpiece of the British Labour Party:

“We cannot rely upon treaties, because nations, like individuals, go back on their word. We cannot abolish the new weapons, because we cannot trust each other. Therefore, the only thing to be done is to take these devastating instruments out of the hands of national governments, and place them in the custody of an international authority for the sole purpose of preventing war. Let us make a start in Europe, and hand these weapons over to a re-organised League of Nations. For it is clear that the League will have no interests to serve in bombing anyone, because its sole purpose is to secure justice and maintain peace. Lord Davies adds that such a policy is not neglectful, but is the only patriotic policy. That statement, of course, admits of argument. But it is peculiar that Lord Davies, before he used the words “only patriotic policy,” did not recall a fact that must be fresh in his mind: that in an attempt to set an example for the rest of the world, Great Britain stood out of the race for armaments and waited for other countries to do the same. The Homeland waited so long, that her defencelessness almost jeopardises her national eistence, and it became definitely unpatriotic for her to wait any longer. The size of her defences had fallen well below those of other leading Powers, and her far-flung Empire almost lay as a prey for aggression. There are, it must be said, many advantages possessed in a system that would give the League of Nations control of armaments ; but before the system could be regarded as a practical possibility, its advocates would have to answer many questions. For instance, what Great Power in the world to-day, could believe that all its armaments could be safely handed over to the League? In fact, what group of Powers, seeing that they could not agree on the limitation of armaments, could agree to hand their defences over to the League? Certainly the explosion the world must avoid, is another man made catastrophe, and perhaps even yet, internationalism will grow with enough strength and vigour to bring lasting peace. But, Lord Davies will not see a world police force, until internationalism has almost reached maturity because the very reasons stated by him as acting against existing methods for obtaining peace, would with certainty, also act against the establishment of an international police force. Obviously the United States objects to any change in naval ratios, but it is doubtful if Japan will accept the treaty under such conditions. At the present time, according to figures quoted in the House of Commons by Sir Herbert Samuel, the world spends daily, more than £2,500,000 on armaments. If that colossal daily sum could be directed into avenues beneficial to the welfare of mankind, such as food and education and health, what great good could be done! But unfortunately, we are forced to remember that at least one of the causes perpetrating the armament race and manufacturing of armaments, has not yet even come under general national control, much less international control. Thus, the plan for an international air force as keepers of world peace, like many other plans, is excellent in appearance, but again like many other plans, is so full of difficulties that seem to place it ‘beyond the bounds of present day practicability.

POLITICAL STRAWS

Although political quidnuncs have been somewhat carelessly bandying with the name of the Minister of Native Affairs in a series of guesses of what is likely to happen when the report of the Royal Commission of Inquiry into the administration of Native Affairs is tabled in the House, it is safe to say that some Cabinet changes are likely to follow the disclosures the Commissioners will make. At the moment, the

political guessers are busily engaged filling flic retiring .Minister's shoes before a resignation has been announced. It is now reported from Wellington that a full statement bf the position of Sir Apirana Ngata will be made to the House this afternoon by flic Prime Minister. The report of the Royal Commission on the administration of the Native Department will be presented at the same time. Again last night the Prime Minister denied having received the resignation of Sir Apirana Ngata. “I will present a report on Wednesday afternoon,” said Mr Forbes, “and I will then make a statement concerning Sir Apirana and what the Government proposes to do. Further than that I cannot say anything.” If, as maintained in political circles, (lie present Minister tenders his resignation, this action will not of course precipitate a Cabinet crisis or involve a dissoluion, although the appointment of his successor may create some difficulties and some heartburning. As the filling of the prospective vacancy is within the gift of the United Party, the new Minister will be a nominee of the Prime Minister and not of Mr Coates. It is agreed that in view of his unrivalled knowledge of native conditions, and the inspiration which he has given to the Maori race, Sir Apirana Ngata, by his resignation, would make difficult the selection of a suitable successor and, therefore, a redistribution of portfolios would be necessary. It is doubtful if the Government will pricipitate the resignation of the Minister of Native Affairs if such course can be avoided, in view of the significance attached to the presence of a member of the Maori race in the Cabinet. Sir Apirana Ngata may not be regarded as an exceptionally capable administrator of an important Department of State, but his association with the work of Cabinet has been regarded by the Maori race as representing a close legislative link between the two races. As a matter of fact the report of the Native Affairs Commission which may force the Minister’s resignation, is generally regarded as likely to damage the prestige of the Maori race in the part it should play in the administration of national affairs. At the moment, quite a number of Cabinet-makers have been airing their knowledge of political affairs, but it is plain that all who are interested in the closer co-operation between the white race and the natives in promoting the national progress, will deeply regret the disappearance from Cabinet deliberations of a direct representative of the Maori.

THE PUBLICITY PLAN

While it is recognised that the original plan to embark upon a publicity campaign in co-oper-ation with the Railway Department was designed to focuss the attention of the people of New Zealand upon Timaru as a most desirable seaside resort and ideal holiday making centre, the committee could hardly decline the offers of other parts of the district to come into the scheme, and do their part. In passing, it may be said at once that one of the most encouraging signs of the times is the interest that has been aroused in the rural centres of South Canterbury in the popularising value of the publicity schemes that are now under consideration. The promoters of the idea to make a bold and comprehensive move to put Timaru on the map, by means of Dominion-wide publicity, has obviously made an effective appeal to the good sense of the whole of South Canterbury. The centre or district that hides its light under a bushel in these lively times, runs the risk of making very little progress. The need for a comprehensive publicity plan is widely recognised, and it is highly gratifying to note that many rural centres are keenly alive to the vital importance of the Timaru plan. The committee, on its part, however, may find some difficulty in adjusting the arrangements to meet the new development, but the obvious sincerity of the rural centres should pave the way for mutual understanding. It is not necessary for us to stress the manifold advantages of bringing the whole district into the publicity campaign, because while Timaru has certain very definite attractive features, the rural towns and districts of South Canterbury can boast such picturesqueness and attractiveness that should give them strong claims for inclusion in any wellarranged publicity plan to boost South Canterbury, in which the central committee might in its wisdom decide to put into material form.