DISARMAMENT

Hokitika Guardian, 13 October 1933, Page 5

DISARMAMENT

“NOW OR NEVER”

dominant tone at geneva (Per British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, October 11. Sir J. Simon nuniied Geneva mis mc-ii.jng, and u a-s visited shortly after lUii by Ai. Boncour. It is understood mat Sir J. Simon acquainted bun with tile decisions regarding the Jwitisn attitude towards me disarmament situation reached at -Monday's Cabinet meeting, and that a very full measure of agreement exists in regard to tiie iutiu-e procedure between the

two Governments. According to Uie “Morning Post’s” coi responaojit “Now or never,” is the dominant tone in Geneva disarmament circles, all the delegations being agreed that tlie most critical phase or the conference lias been readied. The British and Americans, in particular, he says, emphasise the absolute necessity for arriving at a convention signed by all the participating States. Ihe recent- speech by Mr Baldwin, emphasising grave dangers of failure to do so, and Britain’s determination to fulfil all pledges, made a great impression on all the delegates. The leading British, French and United States delegates had a meeting lasting for about an hour, According to Geneva press messages it was stated at the conclusion that a complete agreement had been reached, that rearming by Germany during the preliminary period, to be provided for by the proposed disarmament convention, would not be countenanced, 31. Boncour is returning to Paris tonight to report to his Government.

1032 GERMAN PEACE PETITION

GENEVA, October 11

Mr Henderson flatly refused to hand over to the German delegation the peace petition signed by thousands of Germans in 1932. Herr Goebbels recently anxiously inquired as to the possibility of its return, suggesting he contemplated punishment of the signatories.

JAPAN AND UNITED STATES

TOKIO, October 11

M- Wakatsuki declared that a failure of the’naval conference in the year 1935 would precipitate a new Java n o se-Am erica n armament race, which would be disastrous to Japan.

TWO YEARS’ PROBATION

LONDON, October 12

A French correspondent of the “Daily Telegraph” at Geneva, says: Sir John Simon (British Foreign. Secretary) now thinks a two years armament probationary period is suffient,