THE LEAGUE

Hawera Star, Volume XLVIII, 8 September 1924, Page 5

THE LEAGUE

DISARMAMENT QUESTION

JUSTICE BACKED BY FORCE

BY CABLE—PEESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT

_ . . GENEVA, Sept. 6. Continuing his address on disarmament, M. rierriot praised the draft treaty of mutual assistance, whereanent France was more optimistic, fie expressed gratification at Mr MacDonald’s support of the proposed arbitration, declaring that the violation of frontiers no longer provided a satisfactory criterion of aggression, but enlarged the necessity for backing up arbitration and justice by force. ’ “We must,” said M. Herrict, ‘‘make what is mighty just, and what is n.st mighty if we are to save peoples fiom a repetition of their sufferings. ’ He declared that France strongly favoured all measures calculated to control the traffic in arms and prevent secret preparations for war, which were at. piesent proceeding. ; He supported the idea of a disarmament conference, and said that- the conditions wbere-mder Germany and Russia could be admitted to the, League : were, clearly laid down in the Articles of the Covenant;

Signor Salandra, said Italy would gladly associate herself with the views of Mr Ramsay MacDonald (Premier of Britain) and M. 'Herriot, and would co-operate in the work of reconstruction. . .

M. Theunis (Belgian Premier) said that Belgium, would follow France and Britain in regard to compulsory aiibitratiou, as the best guarantee for peace was a prospect of coalition of all civilised peoples against an aggressor. M. Bones (Czecho-Slovakia) advocated arbitration. The- debate was adjourned.

MR. MACDONALD LEAVES GENEVA.

COMMENTS UPON DISARMAMENT

Received Sent. 8. 8.5 a.m. GENEVA, Sent. , 7

Mr MacDonald received an ovation on his departure. He .said that he was very content. He had consulted the delegates of the Dominions before, delivering his speech. He believed that the results of the League Conference on disarmament would be good, but insisted on the necessity to avoid haste, and to work with tranquility.

Mr Garvin, writing in the Observer, says that it is certain that no system of universal arbitration can effectively be established unless the United States join Europe in establishing. a, new world system of justice and mediation and enforcing the awards. He concludes: A revision of the Versailles Treaty must be faced.” The Sunday Times diplomatic, correspondent says that the resolution may be regarded as sufficient for immediate purposes. There, is no doubt that the ' r hivd Committee will do all that is humanely possible to square Mr MacDonald’s policy with M. Herriot’s.— Aus.-N .Z. Cable Assn.