FOREIGN AFFAIRS

Hokitika Guardian, 26 March 1926, Page 3

FOREIGN AFFAIRS

EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS. [Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.] LONDON, March 25. Sir A. Chamberlain, received the freedom with Mr Baldwin. Hon Churchill, Hon Amery, the High Commissioners of tho Dominions and India, and nine Ambassadors were among those present. Sir A. Chamberlain was given ail ovation. In a speech, he claimed the work of Locarno had emerged not merely unharmed, hut strengthened from Geneva. He did not doubt, with goodwill, that the difficulty of reconciling the rights of each democracy in their own country with tho spirit ol the League, would ho solved.

Sir Austen Chamberlain in a speech, when receiving the Freedom of tho City, referring to the Locarno Peace Pact, reminded his hearers that two great far-seeing German statesmen took the first step in tho path to Locarno. Dealing with the results at the Geneva conference, lie said:' “I think during tho bitterness of tho first disappointment 1 used exaggerated language, for the event, though unfortunate, had neither the inevitableness nor tile finality of a true tragedy. Such a set-back was not surprising, remembering the Ixutguo’s infancy, hut ivas only a momentary check to exterior circumstances. They should not expect, as much from a young League as they might hope for when it reaches maturity.”

Sir AusUen added that foreign affairs, which were a mystery formerly, and known to but a few, were now everybody’s business. Democracy’s claim for information sometimes clashed with the League’s work. Unless the. rights of Democracy were wisely used the result. of the Geneva Co life nr nee might bo a repetition of the old story of irreconcilable claims, instead of opening a new chapter of conciliation.

Sir Austen Cbamberlnin concluded bis speech by saying: “If anything could make this (hour dearer or more precious to me, it. is the belief I have followed in the footsteps of my dear father. As the result of the work in which L have been engaged I have repaid some of the debt I owe him in a way that would he dearest to his heart.”

Mr Baldwin, in proposing Sir Austen Chamberlain's health said as his father’s name is connected with the consolidation of tlie Empire, so Sir Austen’s name would, perpetually, have n foremost place in the ranks of tlioso who sought, to bring peace to Europe, j Nobody bad done mro to advance tho interests of the League of Nations.