CALL BY LEOPOLD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20024, 24 August 1939, Page 6

CALL BY LEOPOLD

CONCILIATION PLEA SPIRIT OF GOODWILL OSLO POWERS MEET KEEPING INDEPENDENCE (Elpc Tel. Copyright—United Tress Assn.) (Reed. Aug. 14. 12.30 p.m.) BRUSSELS, Aug. 23. The Oslo Powers conference opened here with a review of the international situation -by the Belgian Prime Minister, M. Pierlot. A -communique states that the meeting agreed to .the terms of a statement which the King of the Belgians broadcast ito-night. The statement affirmed 1 readiness to collaborate actively ini any international effort at conciliation and that the Oslo Powers would intervene in a conflict only to defend their menaced independence.

King Leopold, broadcasting in- the name of .-all signatories of the Oslo convention, said the world was living under such -high tension that all collaboration between countries -seemed impossible. War, would bring economic collapse. Everywhere -armies were getting ready for a horrible struggle in which there would be neither victor nor -loser, but loss of the spiritual values acquired during centuries of civilisation. Ye't not a single nation wished 1 (to send its children to death. Still Possible to Negotiate

“It -is still possible to negotiate,” he continued. “The worst can be avoided, but time presses. Th-e evolution- of events will soon render all contact more difficult.

“The right to live m-ust exist and must ibe founded 1 on a -moral basis. We solemnly hope that -those responsible for the guidance of the countries will accept Ithe' suggestion to submit their differences and claims to negotiation in a spirit of goodwill. We hope the -head's of other States will join their voices with ours in the same desire to assure peace and security to their peoples.”

King Leopold l spoke in most solemn tones In 'the presence of the Oslo convention -Ministers, who during the day, considered a- proposal to -call a World conference, but it was withdrawn as several delegates -doubted its usefulness. «