BRITAIN’S POLICY

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20433, 25 February 1938, Page 8

BRITAIN’S POLICY

4.30 O’CLOCK" EDITION

INSPIRED BY HOPE B LEAGUE STILL SUPPORTED LORD HALIFAX’S DEFENCE United Press A sin.—rrec. Tel. Copyright (Received Feb. 25, 3.15 p.m. ) LONDON, Feb. 24 In the House of Lords debate Lord Halifax maintained that the Government’s policy was not dictated by fear but inspired by hope. The constant object of British foreign policy must be peace and the Government was not prepared to allow an opportunity to pass of securing peace by an action for which the present might be the psychological moment. ** We are told,” he added, “ that the resignation of Mr Eden marks a complete change of policy. That is not so.” Lord Halifax maintained that the Prime Minister supported the League and had given an assurance that he would not tear up one single article of the Covenant nor abandon even Article XVI. Regarding Abyssinia, he asked them to face facts and -said the conquest of that country could have only been prevented by war. There were very few indeed with responsibility who were prepared to face that. Not Afraid of War ** I am not in the least afraid of Italy or any other Power in the world,” he added. ” 1 am not afraid of war In the sense that 1 fear defeat because I know the temper of this country and know it will never embark on war unless it thought It right and inevitable. •* I know also that having embarked on war it will not let go until as usual It had won, but I and everybody else detest war.” Concluding Lord Halifax said: “We shall refuse to hold our hands and merely drift along In dangerous times, picking warlike noises in the ship in order to encourage the passengers.” He maintained the' debate showed that the preponderance of opinion was behind the Government in this matter.