OFFICIAL WIRELESS

Hokitika Guardian, 28 June 1928, Page 2

OFFICIAL WIRELESS

ANTI-WAR PACT

BRITISH APPROVAL OF NOTE.

[Special to Press Assn, by Radio.]

RUGBY, June 25

With regard to Mr F. B. Kellogg’s new Note, it is pointed out that the participation of the Locarno signatories makes it certain that resort to war in violation of those agreements would also violate flie present Treaty and release the parlies to the Locarno Pact.

Mr Kellogg says: “This single procedure will bring mankind’s age-long belligerent spirit to universal peace, which is nearer to practical fulfilment than over before in the history of the world.”

ITe says that he hopes that the nations will be able promptly to indicate their -readiness to accept without qualification, or reservation, the form of treaty now suggested hv the United States.”

British Press comments on the new Note are generally favourable. The “Daily News” which hopes the Pact will be accepted by the great nations, says that the splendid gesture has caught the imagination here as in tlio United States, and reminds France that Senator Borah has stated that it is most unconceivable that the United States would stand by in the case of a gross breach of a multi-lateral treaty to which it is a party. The Kellogg Note for the renunciation of war is receiving the most sympathetic consideration by the British Government. Questioned in the House of Commons, air Godfrey Locker-Lampson, Under-Secretary for Foreign Affairs, said that the new Note marked a considerable advance. Public, opinion as reflected in the Press strongly favours the aims of the American Secretary of State and it is assured that should any further communications pass between London ami Washington they will he directed towards the strengthening of the working of the Kellogg Plan.

MR. WHITLEY DECLINES PEERAGE. RUGBY, June 25. It is announced that the King, having been graciously pleased to express a wish to confer the dignity of a peerage on the late Speaker of the House of Commons, has allowed Mr Mhitlev to decline the honour for persona! reasons. A knighthood has been conferred on Colonel Vernev, secretary to the Speaker. FIRST REFUSAL IN 120 YEARS. LONDON, June 25. Mr Whitley is the first man in 120 rears who has refused a Peerage.