INTERNATIONAL DISARMAMENT

Evening Star, Issue 19793, 17 February 1928, Page 2

INTERNATIONAL DISARMAMENT

BRITAIN LEADS THE WAY UNWISE TO SIGN OPTIONAL CLAUSE HOUSE OF LOROS DISCUSSION. LONDON, February 15. In the House of Lords Viscount Cecil moved a motion hoping that the Government would press forward the policy of international disarmament, and, after consulting the dominions, accept the jurisdiction of the Permanent Court of International Justice in Justifiable Disputes by signing the optional clause.. Viscount Cecil expressed the opinion that public opinion was miles ahead of the Government’s attitude towards international arbitration, which was the only alternative to war. He did not believe that twenty members of the House of Commons would oppose the signature of the optional clause, and if they did fifteen would lose their seats at the general election. Lord Cushonduu, in replying, said that Britain since the Armistice had scrapped 2,000,000 tons of fighting ships, and had made heavy reductions in her Army. If she had kept these to bargain with at Geneva she would have been in a very strong position. Other nations had not correspondingly reduced their armaments. He did not believe that the signature of the optional clause would materially affect the question of peace. We had arbitration agreements with various nations practically covering the war danger field, and doubtless would sign more. We set an example at Locarno, and intended to do our utmost at Geneva to induce, other nations to follow Britain’s example. Lord Buckmaster, Viscount Astor, and Lord Phillimore supported the signing of the optional clause. The Marquess of Salisbury said that nothing had, been more demoralising in recent years than the number of treaties torn to pieces _ when the critical time came. Britain would do her utmost, but would enter no agreement which the Government did not think it would be able to fulfil. Ministers bad come to the conclusion that it was wiser not to bind the Government by signing the optional clause. The motion was withdrawn.