HON. W. CHURCHILL

Hokitika Guardian, 25 November 1932, Page 5

HON. W. CHURCHILL

CAUSES SENSATION SPEECH IN COMMONS. (Ur ; ted Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) (Received this day at 9.30 a.m.) LONDON, November 23. Air Churchill, referring to the Dis armament Conference, in . .the Commons, said that we desired to live in good terms with Germany, it should he remembered that every post-war concession to -Germany was followed by a fresh demand. “Do not let the- Government delude itself that Germany is merely seeking 'equality of status,” lie said. “All the marching Lands of Germany's youth wore wanting weapons, and when they got them, they would seek a restoration of territories and colonies which would shake France, and her associates to their foundations. AVe with wide Imperial burdens ought to be careful not to meddle imprudently in the European structure, or we might bring about the catastrophe everyone desired 1 to avert.”

Bon, Winston Ghurchi. ;’s warning in- the Commons, that disarmament was proceeding along tho wrong lines and only resuscitating the war mentality, is described ns one of the hiost brilliant, comprehensive, constructive speeches he has delivered. He emphasised that though armied to •'he teeth, France was a pacifist to tno core. I would rather see another ten. to twenty years of one sided armed peace than a war between -equally well matched powers-. War mentality is arising in certain countries. There is hardly a factory in Europe, not prepared for war, but wisdom and , kill may avoid a war in our time. I base this confidence-—Firstly—ln the strength of the French army. Secondly—ln Russian pre-occupation in the Far Ejist, owing to the enormous increase in Japanese armaments. Thirdly—The general destation of war in all countries, not dissatisfied with Versailles.

It would be safer to re-open questions like the- Danzig corridor and Transylvania than to wait until vast combinations, equally matched, confront each other.