LAW OF JUNGLE IN EUROPE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21304, 25 March 1939, Page 17

LAW OF JUNGLE IN EUROPE

RUTHLESS AND SWIFT STROKES Call To All Peace-Loving Nations UNITY AGAINST COMMON ENEMY British Official Wireless ’Received March 23, 6.30 p.nu RUGBY, March 23. The former Foreign Secretary (Mr Anthony Eden), speaking in London, said: “A great part of Europe now sees no law prevailing but the law of the jungle, where the prey falls to the swiftest and most ruthless stroke. What is the duty of peace-loving nations to this threatened condition? I believe there can only be one answer—to unite now and immediately to organise the defence against further aggression. But if this policy is to succeed, it must be based upon principle. You cannot unite the nations of Europe, or any number of them, simply on the basis of possession. The basis must be one of principle and that principle is clear—to preserve what remains of the rule of law in Europe, to maintain those essential standards of international conduct upon which all progress depends, and to protect those principles in Europe which yet survive.” Mr Eden emphasised that Britain could not enter upon this policy on the basis of limited liability, but would have to be ready to take its share in any defensive system that might be built up, not only on the sea and in the air, but also on the land.

“It is my conviction,” added Mr Eden, “that we in this country cannot take too soon the necessary steps in relation to industry, to national wealth, and to man-power to enable us to do this.”

UNITED FRONT PLANNED OUTLINED BY PRIME MINISTER GESTURES TO FRIENDLY COUNTRIES Biitlsn Official Wireless RUGBY, March 23 In the House of Commons the Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) said he could not at present say anything on the progress of consultations with other Governments, but he re-defined in very precise terms Great Britain’s attitude which he had already Indicated in his Birmingham speech. "Great Britain has already made it clear that the recent action of Germany raised the question as to whether Germany is not seeking by successive steps to dominate Europe, and, perhaps, even go further than that,” said Mr Chamberlain. “Were this interpretation of Germany’s intentions to prove correct, the British Government would feel bound to say that this would rouse the successful resistance of Great Britain and other countries who prize their freedom as similar attempts have done in the past. “I am not yet in a position to make a statement cn the consultations which have been held with other Governments as the result of recent developments. I wish to make clear, however, that there is no desire on the part of Great Britain to stand in the way of any reasonable efforts on the part of Germany to expand her export trade. On the contrary, we were on the point of discussing, in the most friendly way, the possibility of trade arrangements which would have benefited both countries when events took place which for the time being, at any rate, have put a stop to those discussions. Nor is this Government anxious to set up in Europe opposing blocks of countries with different ideas about the forms of their internal administration. “We are solely concerned here with the proposition that we cannot submit to a procedure under which independent States are subjected to such pressure under threat of force as to be obliged to yield up their independence. and we are resolved by all the means in our power to oppose attempts, if they should be made, to put such a procedure into operation.” Replying to a question, Mr Chamberlain indicated that he could not forecast when he would be able to report on the outcome of the present consultations with other Governments. A deputation of Labour leaders urged Mr Neville Chamberlain to have a closer understanding with Russia. Mr Chamberlain was non-committal, but it is understood that he revealed that the conversations with Russia were going on well. TO CEASE ACTIVITY FRANCO-GERMAN COMMITTEE United Press Association —H- Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received March 25, 1.50 a.m.) PARIS, March 24. The Franco-German Committee founded to foster good relations between the two countries hrs decided to cease activity.

PLANS FOR EMPIRE DEFENCE

AFRICA AHEAD OF PLAN CO-OPERATION WITH BRITAIN ACTIVITY IN OTHER DOMINIONS United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received March 24, 5.5 p.m.) I CAPETOWN, March 23. The South African Minister of Defence (Hon. O. Pirow), in his annual defence statement in the Assembly said: “The British Government has generously enabled the most urgent requirements to be met. The position regarding arms and equipment had greatly improved. South Africa would soon be able to satisfy her own ammunition requirements. She had 2080 air pilots, two bomber fighting squadrons, five training squadrons, one railways reconnaissance squadron, and one railway troop carrier squadron. Each squadron with reserves comprised 25 planes. Twelve batteries of artillery and manpower were available at short notice, and could be doubled. Capetown, Port Elizabeth, Wai vis Bay and East London would have 15-inch and 9.2 inch guns. The Admiralty w’as lending the Erebus, which -was being reconditioned at a cost to South Africa of £100.090. The warship was expected to arrive on September 1, and would be manned by naval personnel until a South African crew could be trained. "The Government’s plans,” Mr Pirow added, “included the mobilisation of industries and non-profiteering. The Union was exceeding the Imperial Defence Committee suggestions as regards the cost of defence.” EMBARGO ON CZECH BALANCES BILL PASSES BRITISH PARLIAMENT United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, March 22. The House of Commons passed the second reading of the Bill placing an embargo on Czech bank balances and gold securities. The Chancellor of the Exchequer (Sir John Simon) said that the Treasury would favourably consider cases where Czechs in England were unable to draw their own money. Replying to a suggestion by Mr Geoffrey Mander (Liberal) that any ultimate balance should “form a nest-egg for the future free and democritic Czechoslovakia which surely would arise again,” the Financial Secretary to the Treasury (Mr Euan Wallace) said that the Bill did not propose to deal with suggestions regarding the future. I It was necessary in this unprecedented situation to act speedily.