The Hokitika Guardian MONDAY, MAY 29th, 1922. IN APPROBATION

Hokitika Guardian, 29 May 1922, Page 2

The Hokitika Guardian MONDAY, MAY 29th, 1922. IN APPROBATION

(Ink til' till- principal speakers :<t i lie Colonial Institute dinner at Home last week, expressed astonishment, at, the iiiiapprociatedM-ecoption given l'»y •* certain section of the. British pnhlie to Mr I.lovd George's work at Genoa: The speaker went on to say lie Was proud ot the British Prime Minister's work at the European conference. Never, he Continued was then a more splendid worker on liehalf if the Hritish Empire, hut first uild last, it was eoinnlented, Mt ; Lloyd Getlrge was crrttiiprd by ii Malibu of his fe'low-eonntrynleti who Hnrhisscd arid eiiiharrnssed hint eontihnaltv. Since that continent, Mr Lloyd tifcoVg'e ha s rendered an account of his stewardship in the House of Commons, and again, strange to say, his political opponents were hot generous enough fo look at the matter other Ilian through pfiitv glasses. A petty, political i«stie was in *de of the situation, instead of what it was, a great national issue. It i> to the credit of the Labor party at Home, that then spokesman at least-

.* as aide to vie a the mallei from the national standpoint alt,| to accord a ilioHsuro of praise for Mi Lloyd George’s courage at tile Conference. It is clear from the reports given that Genoa failed in the main beeatlst* of the aloofness of America and the smashing tni'ties of France: probably tile latter was the more active feature, for while America was negative in its attitude, France was positive ill the determination not to assist to the end in view hy the means proposed. All the critics while alleging failure do not suggest anything constructive to take the place of the proposals propounded for the lasting peace of Europe. Air Lloyd George, at least, succeeded in a temporary peace part—a marking of time—till the experts meet at The Hague shortly to consider the real intrinsic value of the Genoa proposals. The British Prime Minister is hopeful of the evonttuil outcome, and well he be for the alternative to a complete breakdown is too horrible to contemplate. Europe is still something of an armed camp. International distrust is still rampant. The nations although poverty-stiicken, are finding mentis to maintain their military forces, They are spending their strength, physical and financial, in tlie upkeep of armies, .instead of re-ordering their governments and grappling with a solution of th ( . financial problem., 'vershadowing them; Mr Lloyd Gelirge was engaged in an honest endeavour to stem this unsettled state of international disquietude. His actions deserved hcttir support all round, and particularly from his own press and Parliament. The Opposition ranged against the Governs incut, again failed* to rise to the occasion with anything constructive to assure the position. The criticism was all in the direction of belittling the Prime Minister and bis work. His motives they could not assail. Imt at least having iccognised their honesty of purpose. they could have been generous enough to lead a helping hand in the effort to achieve them. Mr Lloyd George’s speech will have its effect all over Europe. The nations will see that Britain is resolved on a great international work destined to improve the position of the continent, and realising that sacrifices must be made to achieve the end, will yet come to regard the principles enunciated at Genoa as of first purpose to restore confidence and ultimately peace.