HOUSE OF COMMONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 25 July 1923, Page 3

HOUSE OF COMMONS.

AUSTRALIAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. ARMAMENT DEBATE. LONDON, July 23. In the-disarmament debate in the ] louse of Commons, Major O’Neill (Conservative ALP. for Antrim, Ulster) moved an amendment that, the (lovemment, at the earliest opportunity, should use its inllueliee both through the League of Nations and otherwise to prevent a recurrence of international competition, and bring about a general limitation of armaments. Mr Asquith regretted this amendment, because he thought it of the utmost importance, at a time like this, that the Mouse of Commons should present absolutely a united front, and should give a firm lead to the rest of the world in a protest against tingrowth of armaments. It was impossible to exaggerate the gravity ol the situation. Ife appealed to the Government to stay its hand in tho mattei of Singapore base. Sir Samuel ITonre (Air Minister) declared the Government was doing its utmost to explore openings towards armament, reduction.

Mr Baldwin, in closing the debate, said the feeling of all quarters of the House was deep and sincere regarding the evils which were to he com ha ted. It was noteworthy that, since the peace there was a strong local feeling in favour of Nationalism arising in different places, which might hear the seeds of much future peril to Europe, hut there also was a feeling in the hearts of millions that, whatever had been the result of the war, if civilisation was (o be saved, it behoved all peoples to join together and do what was possible to preserve it. The Government believed an attempt at this moment to convene an international conference would lead to an indefinite postponement of any possibility of achieving the end which all desired. Before good could be done, the reparations question and the security of frontiers must he settled, fn the meanwhile the Government would examine sympathetically any proposals from the League of Nations. The motion was defeated by 29(1 to ICO.