PURCHASE OF PEACE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21179, 28 October 1938, Page 9

PURCHASE OF PEACE

SACRIFICE OF GOOD NAME Attack on British Policy In Crisis Counterblast by Lord Halifax French Economy Edicts United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, October 26. Speaking at the City Temple, Mr Lloyd George said that the relief experienced after the Munich conference was now beginning to be suffused with shame on account of the purchase of peace at the price of conscience and honour, while Great Britain had not gained in tranquillity as the feverish demand for rearmament showed. Herr Hitler had not aimed to redress the grievances of the Sudeten Germans. He had only wanted to abolish democracy which he regarded as a plague spot from where the germs of freedom could cross the frontier into Germany. “We abandoned our pledges,” he said, “and handed over Czecho-slovakia wrapped in a Union Jack and Tricolour to a ruthless dictator who will deny freedom to both the Czechs and the Germans. Our only excuse was our muddled defence preparations.” Referring to China, Abyssinia and Spain, Mr Lloyd George declared: “We have descended the ladder of dishonour rung by rung. Can we go any lower? Instead of 58 nations, we could not get two to follow us to-day. In the end there will be no peace, but a war without friends.” FRANCO-GERMAN POLICIES IMPORTANT CONFERENCE IN ROME Unlieo Press Association—By Lleclrlc 1 elegraph—Copyright (Received October 27, 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, October 27. The German Foreign Minister, Herr von Ribbentrop and Count Ciano (Italian Foreign Minister) will hold a discussion on Franco-German relations. There is at present no question of a Franco-Garman Pact, but Herr Hitler Is expected to make friendly declaration to France on the lines of the Munich document. It will be necessary to see how far a Franco-German no more war declaration can be reconciled with the terms of the Italo-German understanding. But in view of the recognition of Abyssinia by France, the difficulty can be overcome and resulting Improvement in the Franco-German relations should create an atmosphere in which negotiations for a nonaggression pact can begin in the springtime.

AMERICAN ATTITUDE TO CRISIS CRITICISM PREFERRED TO INDIFFERENCE United Press Association—By Xiectrlc Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, October 26. In a broadcast to the United States, the Foreign Minister (Lord Halifax) said that Great Britain fully accepted America’s desire not to be involved in remote disputes, but was aware that America was following events in Europe with acute interest. This was seen in the sharp criticisms in the American Press against Great Britain’s actions in recent weeks. This was the best proof that America felt as strongly as Great Britain about things which were vital for the world to hold on if international relations were to be based on secure foundations. Criticisms, therefore, brought America nearer than would indifference. Throughout the crisis, Lord Halifax pointed out there was before Great Britain two Inescapable facts: Firstly, if Germany marched, England, France Russia and others could not have saved Czecho-Slovakia from beJng over-run. The second was: The natior > would have gone to war knowing that their statesmen after the war would not be able to redraw the Czech boundaries is they were drawn at Versailles. Lord Halifax warmly paid a tribute to the efforts for peace which were made by President Roosevelt and Mr Cordell Hull. FACING UP TO VITAL PROBLEM DRASTIC MEASURES IN FRANCE United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright MARSEILLES, October 26. “Directed economy” for France In order to enable her to compete with the totalitarian States is foreseen by the Minister of Commerce (M. Gentin) in a speech before the opening of the Radical Congress. “I am convinced that the country has reached a turning point in history,” he said. “I consider that a regime of directed economy, possibly under which Capital and Labour will remain under private control, but if private initiative is insufficient, or if too many private undertakings threaten productive anarchy, the State must step in.” He predicted the realisation of this policy by stages, and it was for the State to discover new economic activities, outlets for exports, and to encourage development by subsidies. Much of this could be achieved within the State’s present administrative framework.

The Marseilles correspondent of “The Daily Telegraph” states that an eagerly awaited speech by the Prime Minister on Thursday will probably give the first clue to the decree laws. He is expected to announce taxation and pensions adjustments, higher prices for tobacco, which is • State monopoly, and the extension of the 45hour week to armament factories.