LAST OFFER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 34, 9 February 1934, Page 5

LAST OFFER

DISARMAMENT PLAN BRITISH MEMORANDUM IF THE NATIONS REFUSE (By Telegraph.—Press Association —Copyright) Received Feb. 8, 9.20 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 7. In the House of Commons during a private members’ debate, Mr R. G. Clarry (Con.) moved protesting against the disparity in Britaiu’s armaments, which he said imperilled the security and independence of the British Commonwealth and endangered the peace of the world. He complained specially of our naval and air force weakness. Mr Cunningham Reid said that London was strategically the worst situated capital in Europe. Enemy ’planes with poison gas and disease bombs could cause such chaos as would force us into acceptance of peace terms. Mr Winston Chui’chill said that years ago our navy was a sure shield. Now “this cursed, hellish invention of war from the air has revolutionised the position.” The Government should immediately reorganise the civil factories for war purposes as other European countries had done. Regarding the navy, wc should regain our freedom of design and get rid of the crippling London Treaty. Mr Stamey Baldwin welcomed the debate.. He said we were making a last attempt to obtain an ordered limitarion of armaments and trying to avoid the dreadful alternative. “If we fail th; Government will regard it as its iuty to look after the interests of Britain first and quickly,” said Mr Baldwin Sir Herbert Samuel protested strongly against Mr Churchill’s suggestion of tearing up the treaty. Mr Clarrv’s motion was talked out.