VERY OUTSPOKEN SPEECH

Hokitika Guardian, 26 October 1923, Page 1

VERY OUTSPOKEN SPEECH

EUROPEAN SUUATIC X. GENERAL SMUTS UTTERS A WARNING. It-'STIIAI.IAN AND N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION LONDON, October 23. General Smuts delivered an unusually outspoken speech, for a responsible statesman. at the South Afi'iean Luncheon Club. At the outset the General referred to the Imperial Conferences, and said that the preferences which the Government already had announced were going to be a very great advantage in oversea development. They did not amount, however, to wluu was called Imperial preference. Dealing with the European situation Dm South African leader advocated a conlerciK'c oi the Governments of the Powers mainly interested in reparations, and declared that neither the Reparations Commission nor the Council of the League of Nations possessed sufficient authority to deal with them. He iinv-aw that the decisions < f a emifeienee, rega;ding the holding of which negotiations were afoot, might result in a parting of the ways, but Die absence of any Power should not prevent the rest foregathering. It was vitally important that the United States should attend as an active member.

lh<i reparations figure generally was recognised as being too high, hut the most competent authorities agreed that a reasonable figure was dischargeable without considerable difficulty, if only political questions, such as the Ruhr occupation, were out of the way. General Smuts strongly supported the British Government's view that the French occupation was illegal, under the Versailles Treaty. He warned British industrialists against pat ticipation in any Ruhr spoils. The speech largely consisted of a criticism of the present French policy, although General Smuts went out of his way to express admiration for and sympathy with tho French people. Ifc emphasised file fact that, however France might regard the prospect of Germany’s dissolution, it would bo a first-class Aid irreparable disaster to Britain and the small countries surrounding Germany. He suggested that Britain and the Central European States could give Germany Die most valuable moral support. The Empire, which "as entitled to an authoritative Voice in the affairs of Europe, should make if perfectly clear, in friendly hut unmi-takeahle language, to all whom it may concern, that in certain eventualities this country would have regard

for its own interests and take whatever steps were necessary to that end. irrespective of tho effect they might have on old friendships. In connection with the question of wiping out the inter-Allied debts to Britain and America, the General urged Britain not to lend aid to the further militarisation of Europe. People here were already beginning to be seriously alarmed about French armaments on land in the air. The French meats on land and in the air. Tho Fiench Government, Also, had lent large sums to small States around Germany. mainly with a view of feeding ravenous military appetites. Genera! Smut-, pointed out that if the black Innties of Africa were called in to :edresy tile moral and political balance of tihis Mother Continent of CiviRation, human principles everywhere voufil he degraded.

A CRKAT APPEAL. A DPR ESSE!) TO FRANCE. EON PON. October 21. In a vital passage of his .speech. General Smuts said: —“To drift will he fatal. The half-measures, palliatives and expedients to which politicians resort when hard pressed, will no longer avail. .Either a comprehensive settlement must now he effected, or the •situation will develop until it firings its own horrible nemesis, and shocks and shames the conscience of the whole world into action. 1 vote for a gallant attempt now to save Europe. Ifni ill. courage and .statesmanship are wanted. The time ha- come for the convocation of a great conference of the Powers lor decisions of iar-rcueb-ing importance must he taken. There may even he a parting of the ways, and the history of Europe may never be the :-aiue thereafter. It will be a ■■ nfpivnoe unlike any other held in Europe

sin'-e the Peace Confeience. Its importance cannot lie over-estimated. "I know that negotiations are aioot to bring about such a con fci once. I shall, therefore, abstain from faying mere, except that, in my judgment, it is vitally important that the United States should be represented as an active member, bearing its full "eight, which, under the circumstances, may he more decisive than any other Power. 1 have complete confidence in America's readiness to act at the right time. "i. keg leave to say one word, in all modesty, to France. I implore her, tor her own sake as much as that of Europe, to return to the faith of her pact. let her. cm the day of her victory and greatness, not forget her noble, historic mission, as a great hearer ol liberal tradition in Europe.

"I have finished. 1 have said things "Inch are seldom, if ever, said by those in responsible positions. but which mu.-t he said frankly, unless all hope of a European settlement has to ho given up." NEWSPAPER COMMENT. LONDON. October 24. The speeches of General Smuts and Colonel Harvey weie too late for comment generally, but the "Daily Express” describe- General Smuts's utterance as sensational. The “Morning Post” points out that Colonel Harvey again has underlined the main condition for American intervention, namely a joint request by tin' Allies which inevitably will involve a certain measure of agreement between Frame and Britain. Regarding General Sniutx’.s < poocli tile "Post" does not deny the sincerity of this able statesman, hut questions whether the speech will cav tic) task of Mr Baldwin and M. Poincare in overcoming the effects of li.cir predecessors' disagreements.