THE PEACE PACT.

Hokitika Guardian, 29 August 1928, Page 2

THE PEACE PACT.

AMERICAN PRESS COMMENT. Australian Press Assn.—United Service NEW YORK, Aug. 27. A survey to-night of the editorial comment throughout the nation on the signing of the Outlawry of War Pact shows that there is a distinct element of questioning concerning the action of the United States Senate when the Treaty comes up for ratification.

The New York Times says: The substance of the Treaty is contained in the preamble of the League of Nations. The American people, rightly or wrongly, have dispensed with the serious risk of getting caught in the League of Nations machinery. Then the article concludes: Time must show whether the element of doubt has disappeared from tile Senate and from the Chambers. The Bolston Globe states: Ten years later and we observe that Europe is even more receptive to American leadership. Necessity lias forced the revision of their side of the Treaty on tho side of leniency.

The Atlanta Constitution says: Notwithstanding the oft-rc]>eatod statements that .the Treaty is meaningless there can be no doubt it is a long step forward in keeping tbo world on a peace basis. The Washington Post comments: Tt may he that something will he learned between now and next. December that will give rise to opposition to this Treaty in the Senate. There appears at least, at present, to lie no reason why tho Senate should not approve of the Pact. It does not affect the powers of Congress to declare war, and unless it is assumed that the makers of our Constitution intended to give Congress the power to make an unprovoked war against an unoffending nation, ic cannot justly he assumed that this Treaty impairs the power of Congress to defend the United States by raising an army, providing a navy, and declaring war. The Philadelphia Inquirer says: The peace of the world depends- upon something more than national (promise. There remains tho question of the reduction of armaments. Yet, the fact that nations have agreed to make war n last resort will help to. dispel that atmosphere of suspicion which makes preparation for war inevitable. The Los Angeles Times after stating that disarmament is part of the peace structure, concludes: It remains for the peoples themselves to prove bymutual friendliness and forbearance that the world is safe for disarmament.

THE FORGED LETTER. LONDON, Aug 27. It is revealed that the forged letter, cabled yesterday (purporting to ba from Sir A. Olmmb'erinin to 31. Bri.nnd) was hawked .in London for a week or toil days, and that several of the newspapers refused it, owing to its doubtful authenticity. At least one paper considered that the price asked was not worth paying. The letter eventually found its way to New York.

Opinions are divided as to the reasons .or the forgery, though the original price asked suggests that it was prompted bv a monetary coiiside.ra-

IXVI TAT lON TO RUSSIA. MOSCOW, Aug. 27. Ambassador Ucrbcttc lias banded to 31. I.itvinoff (Soviet Foreign Minister) France’s formal invitation to adhere to the Kellogg Pact, under the same conditions and privileges as tile original signatories. M. Litvinoff requested a full list of the invited delegates, and a copy of all of the diplomatic correspondence, on the subject.

TH ANK KG IYING RKR VICES. LONDON, Aug. 28. One of the most notable among many thanksgiving services, after the signing of the Kellogg Pact, was held at St. Martins in the Fields, and it was attended by representatives of foreign Embassies, communities and Churches. The first lesson, the fourth chapter of Mioali, was read in English, French and German, and the service was broadcasted throughout the country. A largely attended thanksgiving Mass was held at AA'estminster Roman Catholic Cathedral.

SOVIETS STAND. MOSCOAA 7 , Aug. 27. M. Litvinoff (Soviet Foreign Minister) announces that the Soviet has refused to participate in the League of Nations Commission to control the production of arms, Russia, ho points out had already proposed, first complete disarmament, and later, partial disarmament. The hitter proposal was not even considered. The League of Nations Commission he says, is not producing practical results. It is only creating illusions. The Soviet is still ready actively to co-operate in real disarmament.

INVITATIONS TO SIGN PACT. Received this day at 8.30 a.m.) LONDON, August 28. Most European capitals announce the receipt of invitations to sign the Peace Pact. A message from Moscow states the Soviet officials were pleased with the promptness of the invitation, but prefer to study British. French and other reservations before giving its decision. Originally the “ Isvestin ” denounced certain signatories, because it alleged they wanted a free band to attack the Soviet, hut pressure of public opinion has forced the journal to advise Soviet adherence to the Pact.

The Polish Minister, Saleski, told the French press: “ Our only worry is Russia. There we have no illusions. The League must take the next step to solve the national, geographical and social dangers' between neighbours.”

INVITATION TO AA'ORLB. (Received this day at 9.30 a.m). BONBON. Aug. 28. The Exchange Paris correspondent states that immediately after the Pact was signed, AI r Kellogg sent a note to all nonsignntory nations inviting adherence.