The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1927. WHY GENEVA FAILED.

Hokitika Guardian, 28 November 1927, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, NOVEMBER 28, 1927. WHY GENEVA FAILED.

The full dress debate in tlic British Commons last week regarding Biit a in’s naval policy and the gcneial attitude towards the League of Nations, was an interesting interlude indicating somewhat why Geneva had failed. Mr Ramsay MacDonald, the leader of the Labour Opposition, regarded the Naval Conference as a bungling from beginning to end, and lie blamed Britain to the extent that the situation had not been plumbed in advance. Sir Austin Chamberlain, in his defence, rather admitted the point made by. Mr MacDonald, but gave a very good reason for the inaction, which was in effect, a desire not to afford an opportunity for misunderstanding with United States. Sir Austen, however, in a lengthy review of the whole situation governing foreign affairs in relation to the League, was able to give a very adequate reply on the general situation, and to put forward a defence which appeared to be ample, if such were necessary, to make it plain where Britain stood in regard to the League and the general principles of disarmament. We should say ther lias not been any doubt on these two main points in international polities. It can lie well understood for purposes of political capital, certain actions aro called into question and stressed as a means to discount the honesty and purpose of the Government. Regarding disarmament there is a great deal of loose talk by those not in authority as to what should be done in the wav of a friendly gesture to indicate Britain’s wishes. But we know that those carrying the responsibilities of the times have a burden it is not easy to cast off, and so they must he circumspect. Sir Austen

Chamberlain, in his final remarks stressed the facts in regard to Britain’s performances seeking world peace, and asked if any country had

done more? But though this is palpably plain, and though Britain is recognised as the mainstay of the League

of Nations, there are still those in the Homeland who seize political opportunities such as those under review, to endeavour to question the bonaiides of the Government policy. Even Mr Lloyd George railed against the Government regarding naval preparedness. Yet no man knows better than

lie how essential it is to be prepared for war to ensure peace. In the Great War owing to Britain’s unpreparedness Mr Lloyd George was called on as the responsible Minister of the time,

to make up the essential needs not only of Britain, but also of the Allies in armnents and munitions to win the war. Great personal kudos reflects on Mr Lloyd George, because of his wonderful achievements in that period of distress and anxiety. It’ did not pay the nation to take the risk it tTid

then. The cost to make good the deficiencies, in human beings and money was staggering. Yet the lesson is unlearned by far too many. And we know because of the awful experience of the war and for humanitarian rea-

sons generally, there is no real warlike spirit in Britain. 'Pile whole country favours peace and the world needs peace. That is a, common understanding realised all round the universe, and there is no encouragement lor war. But there must inevitably be preparedness. Not to be prepared is to invite hostilites. That was the germ of the Great War. Germany thought she had the weaker nations at her merev. Her ruthless march through Belgium was because of her superior potency, and France was expected to be. a ready prey. Great Britain was a contingent Power to be reckoned with, but ’Germany felt superior even to that allied force. And she was, almost. The duration of the war, and its exhausting elfect on the victors is proof of that. Had Britain’s preparation not been what it was, particularly on the sea. Germany would easily have won the war, and won it quickly. Naval defence is thus of paramount importance to Britain, and the policy of the country is ol first consideration, demanding the careful attention of Hie responsible Government of the day. The strength of the Navy assure not only the Homeland, but also the Greater Empire overseas wliieli gives Britain its might and majesty.