PEACE AIMS

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21034, 9 February 1940, Page 5

PEACE AIMS

LABOUR DECLARATION DEFEAT OF HITLERISM FUTURE POLICY (Omciti Wire lew) (Received Feb. 9, 1.45 p.m.) RUGBY, Feb. 3 Labour's peace aims are contained in a declaration of policy issued by the Labour Party Executive, which reaffirms the loyalty to socialist and democratic faith.

While declaring its continued opposition to Mr Chamberlain's Government, it calls on the British people to contribute their utmost effort to the overthrow of the Hitler system In Germany, stating that though loathing war the party regards it as a lesser evil than the destruction of Parliamentary democracy and civil freedom which is the only alternative to resistance of the Nazi aggression. Although victory is the immediate ; tasK, tne Labour Party state tne issue oi peace aims before the peoples are still further estranged by suffering and hatred, may bring lasting peace nearer and declares. “The Allies war purpose must be the defeat ' of Hitlersim and to undo the wrong-, resulting from Nazi aggression with- ! cut creating new wrongs. It must be shown beyond all doubt that we will ; not allow aggression to succeed.” Feeling that the experience of re- ' cent years has shown that no trust can be placed in the Nazi Government’s word, Labour is convinced that the Allies ought not to enter into peace negotiations with a German Government which will not perform certain acts of restitution, including the withdrawal of German forces and police from Polish and Czechoslovakian soil. “The Austrian people must truly be free to decide whether or not they wish to remain within the Reich. Britain had stated that no material advantage was sought for Britain, and Labour demands that undertakings shall be given to the German peoples that their interests will be respected equally with just interests of others. “Whatever else may be contained in the peace treaty,” the declaration continued, "this assuredly will not be the last war in Europe unless when the war ends, we succeed in reconciling the French claim of security with the German claim of equality. "If Britain is either inattentive or impatient towards either of these claims she will already have incurred a share of responsibility for the next war. "The French people must be assured against menace and the Germans given acceptable peaceful outlets for their energy and ambition. Labour suggests that the answer to French claims to security lies in the British and French peoples, not being merely Allies for a season but brothers lor all time. "To Germany, Labour says we are opposed to any attempt from outside to break up Germany; we do not seek the humiliation or dismemberment of the country. “While desiring to welcome her into peaceful collaboration Labour reminds Germany that the Hitler system prepared and started the war and he could not continue it if you ceased to support him. "Until the accursed Nazi regime is overthrown there is no hope of peace between us, but if you establish a government sincerely willing that Germany shall be a good neighbour and a good European there shall be no revenge. “The party regards the equilibrium of French security and equality to future Germany as necessary to European peace.” Speaking of Russia, the declaration states: — “We hoped the Soviet would join the democracies for a collective organisation of peace and resistance to aggression. We should regard the extinction of the free Finnish democracy as an intolerable disaster to civilisation.” General Issue Turning to more general issues which should be included in the peace settlement, the declaration by the States of the establishment of a cooperative world commonwealth in which national sovereignty would be subordinate to world obligations is still Labour's aim, and declares that such association must be created and given such economic and military Power as will enable it to enforce peaceful behaviour between members.

Regarding colonial questions, the declaration pledges Labour against Imperialist exploitation, whether capitalist or otherwise, and demands a speedy, move forward to colonial self-government. Where populations are not ready for self-government, native interest shall be paramount, being safeguarded through an enlarged mandate system. Recognising the gravity of the economic crisis which will confront the world at the end of the war. the Labour Party proposes that “international public works conferring benefits on more than one nation and covering the* comprehensive development of great colonial Powers, must be undertaken through an international authority with budget powers far greater than the League of Nations ever had. The declaration concludes: “Victory must come to the arms of Britain and France and their Allies—peace must be won for humanity."