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Hokitika Guardian, 2 May 1932, Page 4

It is regrettable, though uot surprising in all the, circumstances, to find that the Disarmament Conference came to an abortive conclusion last week. Europe. apparently delights in remaining an armed 1 camp, despite financial pressure, and with the open international jealousies this is not- unlikely. France openly doubts the bona tides of Germany, though the peace conditions stripped the latter of military force and effect. Germany, too, considers France the natural enemy ot the country, and is taking the fullest precautions under the conditions of pence to “be prepared.” It is unfortunate this contra feeling exists on both sides, for the alarm and concern as to possibilities naturally interests other countries, which do not wish to become a prey to a belligerent as inoffensive Belgium was to warlike Germany at the outset of the Great War. Belgium paid dearly for her neutrality, and there is possibly the feeling that other States in Europe are not going to he caught napping if another war should suddenly flare up, and their country he in the track of the marching forces. While this feeling of genera] uneasiness has been pervading Europe, Great Britain hag p'aved a noble part in general disarmament. In the opinion of many she has gone too far, and in point, or fact is at a stage now when any further disarmament effort- must cease. She has in point of fact complied with the spirit and intention of the earlier proposals. It seems a pity that at the present juncture when France in particular and Germany to some degree is “not playing the game,” that Great Britain and the United States do not resolve to a combination to enforce disarmament to a point where no great, war could possibly spring up | witli the suddenness of the last. r lho | .two countries have a unique opporj tunity for concerted action in that j respect, but it is to he feared it will not come to pass. The United States j hold-i a position of safety, not to say j splendid isobition, from evo"ts in Europe, and public opinion will not supI port action leading to international j troubles. But the possibility of action I is tlio-’e if only America rose to tV situation and united with Britain to enforce peace on the world.