THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 24 March 1926, Page 2

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

[Australia & N.Z. Cable Association.]

THE “TIAIES” COMMENT. LONDON, March 22.

The “Times” in a leading article, says: “Air Houghton’s report is too sweeping and exaggerated when it says that Europe lias learned nothing from the war. There is also obviously a reply to his statement that Europe does not want any American assistance. America suddenly withdrew from Europe at the most difficult time. Those hoping that her decision might he modified were constantly reminded that this was Impossible. Therefore, it was hardly dignified to appeal any further, and Europe started helping herself in her own way. Nevertheless, America’s unofficial assistance in tho reconstruction work was fully recognised. Arr Houghton’s critcisms of France are not wholly justified. There have been times when dangerous tendencies have marked French policy, but. if one thing is certain in Europe to-day, it is that the French policy is not a desire for war, but an exceptionally acute dread of war.” The Paris correspondent of “Tho Times” says: “The publication of Mr Houghton’s report that European diplomacy is now acting as a nervous irritant will probably do more harm than good. French susceptibilities, which at present are extraordinarily delicate, are unable ■to withstand a shock so brutally administered. If Air Houghton intends his report to act as an antidote to Nationalist ambitions, it will fail as far as France is concerned. It has caused even the most sober French newspapers to make fantastic statements, professing to believe that the report is an AngloAmerican move against France. They point out that France has taken the lead in European peace by preparing, firstly, the treaty of mutual guarantees; secondly, the Geneva protocol; and finally tile Locarno Pact; all of which have been designed to obtain European security and peace, resulting in disarmament. Tho newspaper comments show that a strong dose of hostile criticism is sufficient completely to unbalance French- opinion. France will rather revert to lie a nation of arms than submit to a trans-Atlantic lecture.”