THE PEACE PACT

Hokitika Guardian, 15 June 1925, Page 3

THE PEACE PACT

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.] , SECURITY L’ACT. LONDON. June 13. The Exchange’s special Berlin cor- , respondent learns that the German re- ■ ply to the Disarmament Note will agree | to carry out certain demands, and will ] ask an explanation of other demands. ] It rejects the remainder as being be- j yoiul the scope of the Versailles’ Treaty. THE BRITISH WAY. [Received this day at 9 a.m.) DON DON. Julno 11. Mr Lloyd George, addressing a Methodist gathering at Scarborough, said the British Em [.ire must not march through the ages hearing the brand of Cain. It was odd that lie had begun to plead for Germany, but be was pleading for justice, and fairness, which was the British way. The continual occupation of Cologne was a danger to peace, The- breaches of disarmament which France had discovered were insufficient cause for the non-evacuation. The present pedantic, illiberal, inequitable and oppressive application of the Treaty of Versailles was another peril. There were a, dozen other European disputes which might lead to war unless the League of Nations was strengthen, ed. The League must dominate nnj Anglo-French pact. i A MOMENTOUS WEE IC. THE FRENCH REPLY. LONDON, June 1-1. The week promises to he momentous in European affairs. The French reply will he despatched to Berlin, after which it will be published in all parts of the world. Thereupon, wo may expect a Hood of new comment will bo released, including the German opinion, which has been strangely silent, except for the first outburst based upon the inaccurate forecast. The most reliable information is that the French reply will be suave in tone and will deal mainly in generalities. The chief point will be the acceptance of the German proposition. The next step will lie the German Government's reaffirmation of its desire to negotiate the Pact, followed by a conference to : arrange details and draw up the terms of the Pact. It is expected the Hon. Austen Chamberlain (British Foreign Seeret- ‘ nry) will return from Switzerland, where he is holidaying, on Wednesday, and the Commons will debate the reply on Thursday or, at any rate, as soon as possible after the note is published. GENERAL’S WORDS OF WISDOM. LONDON, June 14. General Sir lan Hamilton, speaking at South Norwood, said: “Me realise the eomuflage of words like “ Pact, ’ “ Protocol,” “ Defence,” and “ Security,” but if von boil them down you •will find at the bottom of the saucepan an obligation to fight, which m ill be hung round the necks of our youngsters. Don’t let us fight in another mail’s quarrel; if we tight, let it be our own war, agreed to by those about to die.” A ONE-SIDED PACT. LONDON, Juno 14. The “ Sunday Express ” says the astounding feature about the proposed Pact is that it would pledge our blood and treasure to a French policy without a settlement of the French debt.