RESPONSE HOPED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20026, 26 August 1939, Page 7

RESPONSE HOPED

CALL TO REASON APPEAL BY HALIFAX GRIM REMINDER GIVEN r POLICY OF BRITAIN FULFILMENT OF PLEDGES (Elec. Tel. Copyright— United Troll Assn.) (Reed. Aug. 25. 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 24. “I earnestly hope that reason will prevail in the face of the consequences of resort to force and before an unretractable step is taken. I pray that the appeals by the Pope and President Roosevelt may fi'nd a response in the hearts of men,” said the Foreign Secretary, Viscount Halifax, broadcasting throughout the world along the lines of Mr. Neville Chamberlain’s statement in the House of Commons.

Tracing the history of the C-erman-Polish minority dispute, Lord Halifax said that if causes of complaints existed, let them be eooly examined before world opinion is worked up to make a settlement 100 times more difficult.

“I am confident that the Poles are ready at all times to discuss differences with Germany, free from the menace of force,” he declared. “The problem ought not to be incapable of settlement, but the real difficulty springs from deeper causes. It must be remembered that the life of all nations depends on mutual respect for each other’s rights. “Britain, throughout history, has felt bound to oppose the attempts of one Power to dominate Europe at the expense of another, for which reason’we are pledged to give assistance to threatened countries, including Poland. It is not the British way to go back.on obligations. Now that the possibility of a conflict exists, we have made the (position perfectly clear. , “The twin foundations of British policy are the determination to resist force and the desire to push on the constructive work of building peace. This cannot be achieved until the gospel of force is abandoned. The adjustment of differences by negotiation instead of force and respect lot pledged work are principles that we defend if trouble comes. “We never had, nor have io-day, the remotest intention Of attacking Germany. If the German policy could only be directed to restoring confidence by willingness to negotiate, we ask nothing better than to help her resolve her our own and world problems needing solution. "If the British-German misunderstanding is to be removed, there must be some certainty about the future of Europe. Therefore we feel obliged to resist an attempt to alter the map of Europe by force. If we fail to uphold the _ liberties of others, we run the risk of betraying the principle of liberty, our freedom and independence. "I have nb doubt that those on whom rests the issue of peace or war will measure their responsibilities to the present and future generations before precipitating a struggle involving many nations of Europe, the duration of which cannot be foreseen and from which those standing aside from active par-, ticipation will be vitally affected. ! “I feel certain that (he Government’s attitude will meet with the unanimous approval of the people. I have no doubt that the whole country will support the measures we may be obliged to take in defence of the cause of just dealing between nations and the preservation of honourable freedom in the world.”