MR BALDWIN’S REPLY

Hokitika Guardian, 31 August 1927, Page 2

MR BALDWIN’S REPLY

Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.)

LONDON, Aug. 29. Mr Baldwin has sent a letter in reply to Lord Cecil, stating“ I deeply regret your resignation, but it is a source of satisfaction to know that it is not due to any persona? difficulty.” Mr Baldwin continues: —“I am concerned with your statement that you and the Cabinet cannot agree on a broad policy of disarmament. However, an examination of your views inclines me to the opinion that, having decided upon your resignation, you exaggerate any differences that have arisen. Shortly after we came into office, our views on the broad question wero stated in Sir Austen Chamberlain's speech at Geneva on tho subject of the Protocol in terms, which were approved hv the whole Cabinet. TTe said that the British Empire had shown by deeds as well as words, the fullest accord with the League of Nations’ ideals of arbitration, disarmament and security. Successive administrations in Great Britain, with tho full approval of the self-governing Dominions, not only have favoured the arbitration theory, but have availed of it in practice, having disarmed to the limits of national safety. Essentially, this policy does not differ from your own views, even as now stated. We have pursued it ever since, with considerable effect on disarmament and peace, of the world. Our differences with you do not arise from the broad policy so much as from views on the most effective means of forwarding them : but. even here, we have largely agreed regarding the League Preparatory Committee. You yourself presided over the Sun-Committee preparing the British case and practically drafted your own instructions. Regarding the recent Three-Power Confereneo again, I think you exaggerate your differences towards the Government, but this 1 must sav, I can take | no blame to myself or my colleagues, for until the very moment that a telegram from Geneva informed us that the Conference had ended, we were still working for a compromise which might yet attain the twin objects of a limitation of armaments and national security. Regarding the future, I refuse to share your pessimism. It is true that there is not yet any great progress made along the lines of world conferences, but there lias been progress aheadv through other less ambitious methods; for example, the Washington and Locarno Treaties, and the settlement with Turkey. All these led to some measure of disarmament. Ou> own growth in the expenditure on armaments has fallen yearly, and yearly both Governmnets and peoples aro more deeply realising the importance oi' the question. 1 do not mean that I am hopeless of the Three-Power Conference, despite its apparent failure. Yet flic result would have been an early reduction in naval armaments, and. in the long run, a better understanding of each other’s problems. The difficulties, as has always been known, are many and great, hut that, in my opinion, is no reason for throwing up the sponge. It is the task of statesmen to learn from failure, ns well as from success. My only regret is that you are no longer willing to continue as our principal representative at the international discussions on disarmament, and that we must seek elsewhere for the help for which, hitherto, we have turned to you.”

The “Morning Post’s” Geneva correspondent reports that high League of Nations’ officials express the opinion that it- would lie a serious blow if Lord Cecil’s resignation wero to entail his disassoeiation from the League’s work, especially as it follows that of M. De Jonvenel (France).

CRITIC'S ON RESIGNATION. LONDON. Aug. 30. It is understood Earl Onslow is replacing Lord Cecil at Geneva. Lord Cecil in an interview said it is possible lie may go in tbe future as a representative of Britain without being a member of tbe Government, but that does not rest me. I feel I can do better work for disarmament outside the Cabinet than inside. The “Alorning Post’’ regrets the resignation. hut thinks no reproach rests on Government. Liberal press opinion is that Lord Cecil is replaceable.