WORK OF LEAGUE.

Hokitika Guardian, 23 December 1920, Page 3

WORK OF LEAGUE.

A LUNCHEON RECOGNITION. LLOYD GEORGE’S TRIBUTE. [BY TELEGRAPH —PER PRESS ASSOCIATION] AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABL.iI ASSOCIATION. (Received This Day at 10.-lo a.in.; LONDON, Dec 22. The Empire Parliamentary Association gave a luncheon to the Dominion delegates to the League of Nations, with the exception of those spending ’Xmas in the south of France. Hon Lloyd George presiding, proposed the toast of the Dominions. He regretted the absence of Mr Millen. The Premier said Sir J. Allen represented New Zealand which contributed such a wonderful service in the war. The delegates had returned from a great errand, attending, the first Parliament of Nations at Geneva. The experiment had been launched and a good deal accomplished. The most conspicuous thing achieved was the creation of a Court of Justice. The outstanding fact was that the nations of the world had been brought together for the discussion of matters which troubled the people of the world* If there had been a League in 1914, there would not have been a . war involving thirty million casualties, | and the destruction of untold wealth. | They could facilitate themselves on the fine part the Empire delegates had played at Geneva. There were amendments to the Covenant which needed to ' make it effective. The League would not achieve its full purpose until all countries were admitted. He was glad to see certain enemy States admitted. He was sanguine that Germany would so fulfill her promises as to secure admission without oppositon, and lie looked hopefully to America’s inclusion. The question of disarmament bad not progressed. There would be no real peace among nations so long as a competition in armaments existed. It was of no use establishing a great peace association, if on the other hand, there was to be/increasing competition in armament, but all the nations must enter the 'League, before disarmament was possible, otherwise the nations could not take the risk. All must march together in the matter before the League could effectively nchievo its ; aim. . ■ I

Sir It. Foster replying, said the League had achieved reasonable results at the first Assembly. The manner in which the delegates from the various nations had learned something of each other, , was a great achievement, .even if nothing else had been accomplished. The strong point was that the League was founded upon the irradieable ideal to prevent war and secure a reasonable peace for tho human race. The League was not going to fail, eveD if some considerable nations did not enter for a year or two. He believed America would become a prominent member. Foster stated though the Covenant was not perfect, the Assembly felt it should have a proper trial, before it was amended on the spur of the moment. The League had not got all the sympathy it should. Many expected great results which no human power would have produced. What was wanted was more propaganda hy every nation,' showing what it could do if humanity would give it a whole, solid support. The British Empire was stronger to-day by reason of its members foregathering at Geneva.