THE INTERNATIONAL CRISIS.

Waiapu Church Gazette, Volume 26, Issue 6, 1 June 1936, Page 1

THE INTERNATIONAL CRISIS.

ARCHBISHOP'S LETTER TO THE PRIME MINISTER. The following letter was addressed to Mr. Baldwin by the Archbishop of Canterbury:— Lambeth Palace, S.E. My dear Prime Minister, On March 19 a Conference was held at Lambeth Palace, by my invitation, representative of the various Christian Communions m England, Wales and Scotland, to consider the present situation m Europe. Its members (whose names are appended to this letter) were not present m any official capacity, but they believe that they are entitled to speak for a very large number of citizens m this country who try to approach political problems from a Christian standpoint. They desired me to express their views not m any general statement but m a letter addressed to you as head of His Majesty's Government, because it seemed to them that these views, are m general accord with the present policy of the Government, and that, therefore, it might not be unhelpful to you at a time of great anxiety to be assured of their support. 1. We fully recognise that the recent action of Germany is inconsistent with ' the respect for Treaty obligations, which "is a fundamental principle of international life and an essential condition of the maintenance of peace." Yet we feel bound, m fairness, to admit that other Powers have not always fully observed the spirit of their obligations, both under the Locarno Treaty and under the Covenant of the League of Nations. 2. Whatever measures may be deemed necessary to express disapproval of the recent action of

Germany, the matter of supreme importance is that the statesmen of Europe should now look not backward but forward, and make every effort to use to the full the singular opportunity now offered-r-^an opportunity which may not return^-of inaugurating a reconstruction of the system .of European peace on a basis of international equality and justice.

3. We therefore welcome the proposal that as soon as possible an international conference should be summoned by the League of Nations which may lay the foundations of this reconstruction. 4. We hope that such a conference may take into consideration not only the political causes but also the economic causes of the restlessness and discontent of many nations. 5. We trust that m the better atmosphere which may thus be created a new and resolute effort may be made m accordance with the obligations of the Covenant of the League of Nations to bring about a general reduction of armaments. For we are convinced that the growth of armaments can never bring security. It only increases that sense of suspicion and fear which is the ultimate cause of insecurity. It is not material but moral and spiritual force which can fully and finally overcome fear. Let me repeat, my dear Prime Minister, that I have been asked by those on whose behalf I write to address this letter to you because they believe that the views which I have ventured to put before you are m harmony with the declared policy of His Majesty's Government, and because they desire to assure you that m the pursuit of such a policy you may rely upon their support. Remembering; your great responsibilities they offer you the further assurance of their prayers. They will do their utmost to impress upon all Christian citizens the duty of continuing instant m prayer that the statemen of our own and of other countries may be so guided by the Spirit of God that they may lead the nations out of the present misunderstandings and confusions into the way of justice, security, and peace. (Signed) COSMO CANTUAR:

The following were present: From England and Wales, the Archbishop ■JOt i York, the Bishops of London, .Winchester, Chichester, Llandaff and Croydon; the Dean of Chichester; Canons F. R. Barry, Thompson Elliott, Guy Rogers, and Tissington Tatlow; the Revs. H; W. Fox, E. N. Porter Goff, S; M; Berry, M. E. Aubrey, Charles Brown, J. C. Carlile, A. E; Garvie> S. W. Hughes, W. C. Jackson, J. Scott Lidgett, W: Lofthouse, M. Rowe, H. B. Workman; Colonel H. G. Gore (Salvation Army). From Scotland, the Very Rev. A. N. Bogle; the Revs. J. Hutchison Cockburn and R. Mackintosh; Lord Polwarth; the Revs. A. Stewart and John Macleod; Colonel W. R. Brown; the Revs. A. Clark, J. Scott and H. G. Fidick.