LIBERALS WILL AID LABOUR IN ATTEMPT TO HELP WORKLESS.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18785, 14 June 1929, Page 9

LIBERALS WILL AID LABOUR IN ATTEMPT TO HELP WORKLESS.

MUST INTERPRET THEIR RESPONSIBILITY IN A GENEROUS WAY.

(Received June 14, 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY, June 13. In a speech at the National Liberal Club to-day Mr Lloyd George, Liberal leader, set forth the attitude which would be adopted by his party towards the new Labour Government. He said: “The result of the election has elevated our party to a position of responsibility for national affairs—second only to that of the Government. During the lifetime of this Parliament, the final word in all controversial issues between the other parties will rest with us so that the course of events in the coming Parliament will largely depend on our action. It was never more essential that our course of action should be of a kind which will be worthy of the high traditions of service rendered by our party to the nation throughout the most momentous centuries in its history. We must not use the power given us by the electors in a fractious or pernickety spirit. On the contrary, we must interpret our responsibility in a large and generous way—that is in a truly Liberal sense. “ The Liberals to-day stand between this country and out and out Socialism. Unconsciously the knowledge that they are there has already had its influence. Does anyone imagine that the new Ministry is the kind that you would have had if the Socialists had obtained an independent majority?" He appealed for unity of action by the Liberals: “ Whatever course we pursue in next Parliament, it is vital that we should act together. If we decide to abstain, and there are many

occasions when it will be desirable not to take part in a division, as the issue may not be fairly stated to meet our views either way, it is important that we should abstain together." Speaking of peace and disarmament, the Liberal leader said that he assumed that the Government would immediately resume diplomatic relations with Russia. “ I also assume that they will immediately withdraw our troops from the Rhineland, and urge the other Powers to follow their example. I assume that they will give their adhesion to an optional clause for arbitration. In certain cases I assur that they will also take immediate steps to act upon the approaches made by the United States of America with regard to naval disarmament, and that there will be a further extension of the provisions of the Washington Conference of 1921, and that an agreement will be arrived at which will have the effect of securing a substantial reduction in cruisers, and, I hope, altogether abolish submarines. If the Government insist upon the solemn obligations of the peace treaties as to disarmament being carried out, then they can rely upon receiving the wholehearted support of the Liberal Party’. I fully realise that it has to be done with tact, dexterity and discretion, but there must be no shirking of the responsibility', because it is unpleasant. That line has been fatal during the last few years." The Government, if it were to do any real good to the cause of peace, must definitely go back on the undertakings given by the late Government that reserves were not to be corpputed or discussed in any examination of national armament. Four-fifths of the Continental armies -were on a war footing, and their exclusion from the debate made all discussion of disarmament futile. Mr Lloyd George spoke of unemployment. “ Here the Government seem to have made a good start,” he said. “ If they tackle their problem promptly, boldly, energetically and wisely, the}' will have no more hearty and steady' supporters than the members of the Liberal Party.—British Official k W ireless.