PREVENTION OF WAR.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16875, 27 October 1922, Page 4

PREVENTION OF WAR.

LEAGUE OF NATIONS UNION (Per Association.) WELLINGTON, October 26 deputation from New ’Zv'&iain^ League of Nations Union to-day interviewed the Prime Minister, seeking his support in furthering the objects of the League of Nations Union. Dr Gibb explained that the Union represented every section of the community in the Dominion, and came into existence as the result of an appeal by Mr Lloyd George, f/no urged that the churches should stand behind the League. In reply, Mr Massey said : “ T ask the deputation not to imagine for one moment that the British nation, or any part of it. is hankering after war. We don’t fiaiv war.” War. however, had been very nearly forced upon them. Mr Massey went on to refer to tho recent trouble in the Near East. The dispute between Greece and Turkey could not. he said, have been referred to the League of Nations. The trouble came upon the British Empire like a thunder-clap. He agreed that the set ting up by the League of a Court of International Justice was one of the best and most useful things that the League had done. He could not imagine* that any right-thinking man would he opposed to the League of Na tions in its desire to prevent war. • Wo are citizens of an Emoire which stand j for peace. We are citizens of an Empire that can do more than anything else to ensure the peace of the world. If it had not been for the courage and firmness of the British Empire in the i recent trouble in the Near East the world would have been plunged ini . one of the worst wars conceivable. 1 speak as one inside knowledge, and T know what.J am talking about I am quite sure that the historian, writing the history of the trouble in. say. twenty years’ time, with the full ) facts before him. will come to conj elusions that will bear out what 1 have said.” Proceeding, he said that war j could not be prevented until human J nature was changed. Ho did not be J lieve it was possible for them to pro vent war. However, he believed that more would bo done in that direction if the people set out to increase the in lluence of the British Empire. The;, could not trust the League of Nations to prevent war. As far as preventing war was concerned, did tho deputation suggest that Britain should be undefended ? Dr Gibb: “ We should take the lead, and let others follow.” The Prime Minister: The Nations must act altogether." The armament conference was suggested in Loudon, and the idea was passed over to America. Great Britain had nlready done a great deal in the way of disarming, and had set an example to the world, but the navy must be kept intact. He was not very strong ou land defence at the present time, but he did believe in the necessity of maintaining the navy. If it depended on the British Empires there would never be any war. He was quite prepared to do his part in the way of encouraging support for the League of Nations, but he would like them to understand quite plainly that Empire must come first. He believed that sontf mistakes had been made in connection with tho formation of the League as $ united body. Ft was a mistake, to nis miud # , to give the dominions separate representation, and the time might come when the various units of the Empire would find themselves divided on a vital issue. If ever the Empire called. New Zealand would be prepared to do its share. Dr Gibb: That means the people of New Zealand ? Tho Prime Minister: Yea. Dr Gibb: Well, you would have to put it to the people. Tho Prime Minister : Anv government worthy of its position will act in an emergency, and take the consequences afterwards. What the Government did on the last occasion that trouble was threatened, it would do again tomorrow if the necessity arose. He would, he .said, never stand for tlioso who sought to impose indignities on the British Empire. Just before the deputation withdrew, Dr Gibb asked the Prime Minister whether he would become patron of the Union. The Prime Minister: Yes. if you will accept me after the views I have expressed. Mr Massey added that lte would expect to share in the councils of the Union.