M. BRIAND

Hokitika Guardian, 6 September 1929, Page 5

M. BRIAND

A REMARKABLE SPEECH. (United Preaa Aaaociation.—ByElectrio ;; Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Received this day at 11.25. a.m.) • • GENEVA; Sept. 5. M. Briand concluded what is described as one of the . most romark- ,, able sipeeches ever delivered in the Assembly, -for which he was freely applauded and finally given an ovation. He said- the Hague settlement had established ah atmosphere of • confidence • eniWing a settlement of other - problems. The League's moral force had now been established. Since Locarno, the war had been taken' 1 by: the’‘ throat and pilloried. He was confident that an agreement would be reached on the problem of security, 'and also on disarmament. As: soon as the Anglo-American naval ( •agrfeeirient :-had been reached, he . was confident. of an agreement' between - - naval powers. " i Referring to the optional clause he said ' Mr MacDonald’s • announcement i that Britain was ready to sign, was a very great ( eyent, over which we could not rejoice too much. The League in addition to denpun-

cirtg' war *as a . hideous crime, must fulfil Kits ■ obligations • by- abolishing it. The 1 League -should ■ possess a secular • armNin order to punish thfe crime .of ,waiv He added that the- optional clause ' must be followed by an arbitration treaty. >, France could sign such a treaty. He pledged himself to make every effort to secure a ratification. 1 ' '