SPIRIT OF UNREST

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 3, Issue 623, 30 August 1933, Page 4

SPIRIT OF UNREST

Mr. Downie Stewart made an arresting speech at the farewell dinner of the Institute of Pacific Relations but its effect was lost to some extent by its belated delivery. In a conference which was notable for a refreshing degree of international candour, it was surprising as Mr. Stewart pointed out, that attention had not been more fofci]bly drawn to the menace of naval-rearmament. It was particularly significant that at the i same time the Japanese dele- \ gates were protesting the pacific intentions of their Government, the Emperor of Japan was reviewing a fleet which was acclaimed proudly as the largest and strongest which had ever saluted a ruler of Nippon. The conference also followed closely upon the authorisation of an extensive naval building programme on the part of the United States which has plainly showed that it will not be outdone by the warlike preparations of the Japanese militants. Although the significance of the more recent developments have been to some extent obseured by the struggle for economic recovery, there is no doubt that the outlook for - disarmament at the present time is more gloomy than it has been at any time since the war. The failure of the World Economic Conference and the virtual failure of the Disarmament Conference have naturally enough given a severe set-back to any belief in the possibility of international co-operation -and thrown upon their own resources, the nations appear to be embarking once again upon the disastrous armament race which culminated in the tragedy of 1914. It is a tragic thing that "that grim lesson has not yet been learned and that the diplomats of the world still talk in glib phrases of the necessity for national security and defensive j preparations. The swing of the j pendulum of democracy toward j the rule of the demogogue has | handed a large proportion of the world over to the rule of dictat- ' ors, in fact or in -theory, and ( the way of the dictator is sel- J dom meek and humble. In all ! parts of the world there are ! sierns of unrest and seethiner !

trouble held in check only by the economic necessities which gave them birth. As Mr. Downie Stewart said, the Institute of PacifLc Relations might well have debated the matter and endeavoured to analyse the causes of dissension ; but mere analysis and examination cannot uproot the seeds of mistrust and hatred. What is needed is firm and courageous leaders to combat the growing spirit of rabid nationalism that is permeating the Old World, and replace it with a wider understanding of man's duty toward his fellow man.