BRITAIN’S ROLE

Waikato Times, Volume 116, Issue 19452, 17 December 1934, Page 9

BRITAIN’S ROLE

GREAT PART TO PLAY. CONTRIBUTION TO LEADERSHIP. I ■ MUST NOT SHIRK. (Official Wireless.) (Received Dec. 17, 12.30 p.m.) RUGBY, Dec. 16. Sir John Simon (Secretary of State for Foreign AfTalrs), speaking at Bolton, emphasised the vital oonoern of foreign affairs to the British. More than ever Britain had a great part to play, not only by contributing advloe, but also—and he said It deliberately—by contributing leadership whloh In the Interests of the world Itself Britain must not shirk.

The spirit and temper of the British people were such that while they were not prepared to enter Into a reokless foreign adventure they knew that they had this part to play In counselling moderation and friendliness and good understanding, all-in the Interests of world peace. In illustration the Foreign Secretary instanced the cases of the Saar and Yugoslavia in regard to the Saar. He said the danger of disturbance had been averted, and the British Government and people Were glad to have done their part in ensuring that happy result.

Referring to the .situation created between Yugoslavia and Hungary as one result of the useless and political assassination that lately shocked the world, Sir John Simon said that a most bitter and dangerous quarrel arose between those two countries and threatened to involve some other neighbouring countries, but there again Britain, in co-operation with others, seized the opportunity to promote peace by vigorous practical action, and again success had been achieved. ,

Sir John said that at Genova British influenoe and Intervention were Indeed significant, and In some cases had a vital effect upon the course whloh events took.