THE SPIRIT OF PEACE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 19828, 30 April 1927, Page 7

THE SPIRIT OF PEACE

DISARMAMENT NEEDS Present an Opportune Time for Limitation REASONABLENESS THE KEYNOTE [By Telegraph—Per Press Assn.—Copyright.] Receiver! April 29, 9 p.m. (A and N.Z.) WASHINGTON, April 29 The ex-Secretary of State, Mr Hughes, addressing the American Society of International Law of whleb he is president said it would be idle to expect a more favourable time for the limitation of armaments than the present, yet, paradoxically the difficulties mount so high as to appear well-nigh insuperable. “There are several contradictory reasons for this’’ he said, “but it appears that a fundamentally compelling sentiment does not exist. First there are those who are so intent on abolishing war that they have no patience with the regulation of war; there are others who are satisfied that nothing can prevent war; and then there are those who, in their desire to abolish war, wish to make it as horrible as possible. “It would seem clear that you cannot rely on declarations or resolutions or papers to prevent war, unless baclc of all these is the triumph of the spirit of reasonableness among the people. This is the habit of peace, which will not be found while the causes of strife still exist. “While there are dreams of a successful appeal to force for the ♦indication of injuries and while dreams of an extension of power continue to fascinate and nations arc so intent on preparations for fighting they will find it impossible to agree on any measures for the reduction or limitation of the burdensome expenditure on armaments.”