THE SECURITY PACT.

Hokitika Guardian, 22 June 1925, Page 2

THE SECURITY PACT.

[Australia A- N.Z. Cable Association.] GERMAN PRESS COMMENT. HEREIN. June ID. The Nationalist newspapers advocate the rejection of the French Note. They especially criticise E ranees claim, to arbitrate in the event of a German-Polish conflict, while the unconditional entry ol Germany into the League of Nations is objected to, as ii stated that it is impossible for Germany to give the League the right to send troop* across Germany against another nation. 'The Catholic organ. “Germania, expresses the opinion that Germany and France will agree to the principle. Tho “Vorwaerts” considers the Freud) reply has advanced the discussion. Dr Stresscinann’s organ, the “Dirzal” sees in the reply the possibility of negotiations with Trance. LONDON PRESS OPINIONS. LONDON, dune 20. The “ Dailv Chronicle,” in discussing the proposed arbitration treaties |,y Germany with France and Belgium, quotes a section of the French Note dealing therewith. Both treaties are to apply to all disputes, it says, and “if one of the parties, refusing to submit to arbitration, or to carry out an arbitral award, resorts to hostile measure.'.' 1 the guarantee under which Britain i- hound to act would conic into immediate operation. The •Chronicle” comments: "It appears, from Mr Chamberlain - dispatch on May 2.Sth. that the British Government docs not conceive the guarantee as obliging Britain to resort to loroo anywhere except in the guaranteed Rhineland area: hut. in practice, it ve had to take action, it would he almost impossible to tints limit its sphere.” The “ Chronicle ” concludes by viewing the scheme as a whole with profound scepticism.

The proposed Pact continues to evoke the strongest criticism. The " Daily Expre-s” prints special cables Irom .Melbourne, Christchurch, Ottawa and Capetown, generally opposing the commitment. The " Daily Express’-' editorially argues: "The Pact really is unilateral, because it compels Britain to light on the side nf Era nee whatever the justice or occasion of the conflict. If Germane invades the demilitarised zone. Britain, ipso facto, is at war with Germany, hut it doe- mil follow that Britain would he at war with France if she crossed the zone in an assault on (ferniany.” The " Daily Telegraph’s” diplomatic correspondent >,ays: "There is talk of appointing a committee of jurists for the purpose of defining what constitutes aggression and an aggressor.”

SOUTH AFRICA’S ATTITUDE. CAPETOWN. June 20. A Parliamentary paper containing communications lietween the Premier and the Governor-General on the Genova Protocol has keen issued. The Ministers regret that they are nimble to recommend the acceptance of the Protocol to Parliament. The Protocol would only make it more difficult for the nations outside the League to join it. Tt would Ik: impossible to validate the obligations accruing therefrom. Further, the interests of South Africa demanded that no international obligations should he entered into entailing participation or interference by the Union in matters not, or only remotely, concerning her, whereby her proper interests might eventually be jeopardised. The publication of this document now is regarded as significant in view of the discussions on the new Security Pact and as an indication of the Union Government’s attitude thereon.

MII GARVIN’S STRONG POINTS. (Received this day at 8 a.m.) LONDON. June 22. Mr Garvin writing- to the “Observer.- ’ commenting on the proposed pact says that Germany apparently recognises 'the permanent cession of Alsace-Lorraine to France. I his ought to mean the end of the thousand years tend. So far, nothing could he more satisfactory, hut in some uncertain words. France seems to reserve the right to attack Gotniativ in Polish interests without consuiting Britain or the League. Upon this point searching criticism will fasten. The possibilities of an arbitrary attack will have to he eliminated before any final pact can he Neither by pact, nor hv protocol, wil. Britain run any risk of being involved in a war against her own will and judgment.