An Important Speech.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 November 1921, Page 2

An Important Speech.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOL'i../lON LONDON, November 24. Lord Cutzon, speaking at luncheon at a State Service Club said: .‘"The steps taken at Washington have marked a great and nobly stride forward in the moral progress of mankind. It would be useless, however, to reduce our naval armaments if we still contemplated accumulating vast land armaments. If France adopted an isolated or individual policy of her own she would not, in the long run, injure Germany. She would only fail to protect herself. Frtmoe’s real sense of protection, he claimed, arose, not from her soldiers’ value, great as that it was, not from the strength of her armies not from the inexhaustible spirit of her people, or from the justice of her cause—is arose from the fact that the conscience arid physical force of Europe and and America, would not tolerate the re-appearance, in the heart of Europe of a great dangerous power, rattling its swords in their scabbards, and becoming a menace to the world. We had only to convert Germany into a peaceful member of a European International Court. If greet Power’s combined, not merely to enforce their treaty; but also to make it clear that no policy of retaliation and revenge would be tolerated, and also showed a willingness to assist Germany to play her part, provided she gave evidence of sincerity and good faith, then as long as Britain, France and Italy hold together, lam hopeful of attaining this result. Britain, the world’s greatest naval power, is depending for its daily existence on its command of the sea, and, if she is willing to reduce her navy, then the other Powers ought not to he allowed to build instruments of attack, either from the air or from under the sea, thus rendering Britain’s sacrifice nugatory. Only by all nations acting on a common policy could they re-establish peace in Europe. FRENCH PRESS COMMENT. (Received .This Dav at 5.30 a.m.) PARIS, Nov. 25.

tfite “Petit Parisien” says Lord Curzon’s speech cannot fail to create painful impressions in France. Its tone is so deliberate, it is believed the British Cabinet supports it. The “Figaro” states Lord Curzon held a veritable conference by himself in order to reply to the Washington Conference. The paper adds: —“Are there not too many British soldiers’ <sraves in French soil for the mistakes of Ministers it'd be allowed to embroil two great peoples, who have equal need to love and understand each other.” The “Echo de Paris” declares, the Washington Conference has given aid to all France's adversaries, and death certificates for all treaties gu&ranfoes.