THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

Hokitika Guardian, 13 September 1927, Page 2

THE LEAGUE OF NATIONS.

(Australian & N.Z. Cable Association.) LONDON PRESS APPLAUSE. LONDON, Sept. 12. The “Daily Telegraph” diplomatic correspondent states Chamberlain’s speech is regarded in foreign diplomatic quarters as a landmark in tho evolution of post war Britain it having been uttered with the full weight and authority of the Home Government and of every Dominion Government delegations. The speech said what none hitherto has had the courage to say at Geneva—that tho manhood and treasure of the Empire were not to be indiscriminately mortgaged for the benefit of other frequently quarrelsome nations. Sir A. Chamberlain disposed admirably of sloppy internationalism as one of Britain s most sagacious diplomats. Ho said: Britain lias no desire to act either ns the chief constable or the chief dupe of the European continent.” “The Daily Express” says:—Chamberlain spoke ns a British foreign minister should. The Empire must bo paramount and Europe and the League of Nations only secondary, though great efforts have been made to' reverse that order of precedence. The Daily News describes the speech as “singularly infelicitous.” It says: A. firm resolve not to support tho Geneva protocol does not necessitate putting a. wet blanket on the activities of the League.”

FRENCH OBJECTIONS. . PARIS, Sept. 12. Sir A. Chamberlain’s speech has aroused some criticism here. The French newspapers are complaining of the so-called narrowness of Britain’s policy. Air Pertinax writing in the “Echo do Paris,” translated the tenor of Sir A. Chamberlain’s speech as ‘may the League of Nations perish rather than the British Empire!” “La Liberte” save:—“Britain regards the League of Nations in the light of a limited liability company.” “La Gaulois” . describes Sir A. Chamberlain as being “frank to tho point of brutality.” “I.e A [at in” states:—“The logio of Sir A. Chamberlain’s utterance is not comprehensible to the French mind.

AIR MACDONALD’S CRITICISM. LONDON, Sept. 11. All Ramsay MacDonald, interviewed by the “Daily Herald,” said:—Sir Austen Chamberlain’s speech at Geneva was most unfortunate, being calculated to increase Great Britain’s difficulties in Europe. For the last three years we have become more isolated. Air Baldwin’s Government, both in iexpect to trade and international policy, has been giving this world to understand that the British Empire is unable to adapt itself to modern conditions Nothing could he more awkward than Sir A. Chamberlain's statement the Geneva Protocol would he disruptive. Anyhow, is not it tine that we should leave our enemies to say such things. We have gratituously thrown away our position in Europe.