HAVE ESTABLISHED UNCLOUDED GOODWILL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18887, 11 October 1929, Page 9

HAVE ESTABLISHED UNCLOUDED GOODWILL.

(Received October 11, 11.30 a.tn.) RUGBY, October 10. The tone of the Hoover-MacDonald statement indicates that a propitious atmosphere has been created for the future consideration of the technical problems, the solution of which will materially advance the cause of disarmament. The statement points out that they had been guided by the double hope of settling their own differences on naval matters and so establishing unclouded goodwill, candour and confidence, and also of contributing something to the solution of the problem of peace, in which all other nations are interested, and which calls for their co-operation. Both their Governments are resolved to accept the Peace Pact, not only as a declaration of good intentions, but as a positive obligation to direct their policies in accordance with its pledge on the part of each Government in the promotion of world peace. One would never consent to become entangled in European diplomacy and the other is resolved to pursue a policy of active cooperation with its European neighbours, but each will direct its thoughts and influence towards securing and maintaining the peace of the world. The statement mentions that the other naval Powers have been kept-in-formed of the progress of Anglo-Ameri-can conversations, and recognises that their co-operation is essential to an agreement on na\ r al armaments. Conversations with the other Powers concerned would be continued to remove the difficulties before formal negotiations begin. The statement adds: “In view of the security afforded by the Peace Pact, we have been able to end, we trust for ever, all competitive building between ourselves, with the risks of war and waste of public money involved, by agreeing to the parity of our fleets, category by category.” Commenting on the statement, “The Times” says that a document jointly signed by an American President and a British Prime Minister is itself a contribution to history, the significance of which needs no understanding, and adds: “It is no catalogue of detailed conclusions, but a hopeful preface to more intensive study of international relations in which disarmament will be linked with a fundamental re-survey of the functions of fleets in the future and of conceptions of the security that should properly determine them. No better achievement could have been demanded from these memorable meetings.”

At the station at Washington Miss Ishbel MacDonald received qumerous baskets of flowers.—British Official Wireless.