NATIONS’ ATTITUDE

Hokitika Guardian, 17 October 1933, Page 5

NATIONS’ ATTITUDE

TO EE-ARMAMENT

Hi!) SIMON’S SPEECH TO BUREAU.

(British Official Wireless.)

.RUGBY, Octoer ’l4. Sir J. Simon, in his statement to the Bureau of the Disarnvanjcnt 'Conference, said that in speaking of the new- re-armaments, he did not mean to dispute the reasonableness of the claims that transformation of the German Reicliwehr into a short service army, even of twice the present numerical strength, would have the effect of reducing its quality and discipline. Great jontain earnestly desired to establish by international agreement, a condition of equality of status.

He i'elt lie coukl speak plainly and frankly, for the, time had gone by for glossing over difficulties by vague optimistic utterances. A system of disarmament fully and frankly entered into, and loyally carried out, would be of the greatest value to the world, as it was equally clear that nothing was to be gained by interminable discussions, which did not face the essential matters on which differences still existed. Sir J, Sinion added that Mr HendeTson had suggested a permanent disarmament commission might.be set up as soon as tjie convention was signed, without wafting for 'ratification. “If this suggestion is found feasible, it should-be. welcome, for it aims at shortening the period of actual disarmament, 'and the period in which equality would be effectively reached. It is a- matter of close consideration to determine how much of eight years would be needed for the initial steps. The transformation of armies involved technical questions, which would move to timetables, and in the meantime a real feeling of,.confidence should develop and. the day be brought nearer when the whole plan is, agreed to and is in due process of execution. “Without binding myself finally to the length of the first stage, I repeat that a period of four years was mentioned' by several Governments, al- . though others have raised the question whether it ’' should not be somewhat shortened. Whatever the length of the first stage, it may be essential to make it clear that the Convention itself should have to contain at the time of its signature, a detailed scheme of disarmament, provided for, as the'.first result to be obtained by the time its full period of, sav, eight years, comes to an end. The result of the abolition of various kinds of armament, and of armament and of prohibitions against their further use, will be to constitute a common list of permitted arms, which would become the same for all countries, and, thus the- differential postion of Powers whose armaments- are limited by the Peace Treaty, would finally cease.” Mr Davis said the United States called for irnmediate decision. Quantitative equality in . armaments should primarily be sought, through reduction in the armaments of the heavilyarmed powers, and not through .attempts by. other., nations to build up to their level. Signor Di Sorogna said that Italy approved in the main of Sir J', Simon’s views. M. Boneotir insisted on the necessity of control, and indicated it was the view of the French ' Government that the trial period of four years was certainly necessary. It was not only justified ky the uncertainty of the present, political situation, but as a test of the value of control, The 'aim of the convention was not only to prevent any nation from re-arming, but make other powers disarm. That was the only possible way to reach equality of status between nations. Herr Rheinbaden (Germany)' said: “The views of "'mV ,Government are well known. Two principles are involved. The first;-effective and substantial disarmament. . The second, full and immediate application of the principle of equality of rights. As for the second principle, no discusssion should be nossible. Its justice is selfevident. As to the first the discussion now centres upon quantitative disarmament. and it is simply and .purely a question or figures. ’ British quarters deny the suggestion that Sir J. Simon’s speech precip- ! Rated Germany’s withdrawal, pomt- ) incr out that it granted Germany someK immediate equality of status as well as a u army of two hundred thousand.