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Hokitika Guardian, 6 September 1929, Page 4

A great opportunity fell to the Labour Government at Home to write history and they are doing so> in what seems to he indelible ink. Mr Snowden achieved greatness at The Hague, and now llfr Ramsay MacDonald is doing likewise at Geneva. 'Great' Britain lias taken the spotlight nt ; 'bot.h convocations, and much lustre is resulting. The address by the Prime Minister of the United Kingdom at Geneva was pitched in the right key. Mr MacDonald was at pains to show that Great Britain wanted peace and was prepared to make sacrifices to that end. His address to the delegates was lucid, and must have been clear to all who followed its declaration on big issues. The Government had a mandate for peace, apart from, the leanings of its supporters, and Mr MacDonald is prepared to go a long way

to make former pacts a reality and the peace ot the world something, of a definite assurance. The evacuation of the Rhineland is a definite gesture on the part of Great Britain which must impress an Europe with the sincerity of the Prime Minister's speech. Equally effective will be the revelation of the agreeinnt almost reached in respect to the Anglo-American conversations regarding naval limitations. The time was very opportune for the negotiations between me United States and Great Britain to be renewed, aiid the change of the Presidency in the former country and the change of the Government in the latter, permitted fresh minds predisposed to a settled peace talk to come together. The meeting in Scotland of Mr MacDonald and Mr Dawes was the .stepping stone to a good beginning, and that promises a happy issue. With Germany appeased and mollified by the early evacuation, and America, satisfied and gratified with something of a diplomatic victory, here are two great nations in unison with Great Britain. There is an unwritten alliance of good-will and understanding between the trio which at once paves the way for much to follow in its train in the way of a broad international settlement and understanding. The rest of Europe will see the wisdom of keeping step with the Powers already .practically in consort, and the great tragedy which has for so long threatened Europe may yet end. as happily as the brightest story-yet unfolded. Time and the hour have arrived for momentous things to ,-mppen, and the men are there to fiu the parts which are to be responsible for the great achievement. AH this is not being done in any disturb-, ing way, but in a quiet yet determined way, anu the world, it would appear, will soon realise that great things are happening and all will yet ue safe' for democracy. Such indeed will be a happy issue to all the troubles and trials aiid tribulations of the past fifteen years. It has taken a long time to comprehend where the old diplomacy was heading the world. There has been an awakening in more countries than one,, and the realisation is the motive power driving the statesmen to the good deeds n w being recorded and to cue promising results which are now on the European horizon.