LLOYD GEORGE ANGRY

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 197, 9 November 1927, Page 1

LLOYD GEORGE ANGRY

ARMED FORCES OF ALLIES CHAMBERLAIN ASSAILED “SOLEMN PLEDGE BROKEN” By Cable.—Press Association.—Copyright LONDON, Monday. The warning in connection with the European situation which was uttered by the Liberal leader, Mr. Lloyd George, on October 24, was characterised by the Foreign Secretary, Sir Austen Chamberlain, as thoughtless and reckless.

In the course of a speech at a luncheon at the Aldwych Club, Mr. Lloyd George made a vigorous attack upon Sir Austen for treating his warning “with ponderous ferocity like an outraged pedagogue.” Mr. Lloyd George asked: “Is Sir Austen so dazzled by his own achievements that he is blind to what has happened and to what is going to happen?” “Sir Austen,” he said, “apparently considers that the dishonouring of a solemn pledge given by the Allies by not reducing their armies and armaments is too delicate a matter to be talked about by common people. “The ‘hush hush’ policy before the Great War was responsible for 10,000,000 deaths. Complete frankness is essential to peace.” He complained that Sir Austen was disposed to consider the Treaty of Locarno as the final step, whereas it should be treated simply as one of a series. LEAGUE AND PARTIES “It is no use standing on the shores of Lake Maggiore like a stork on one leg, looking preternaturally wise and feeling very satisfied because he has swallowed one trout,” said Mr. George. “Sir Austen will not have arbitration because it cannot carry the Dominions, yet he is willing to guarantee the eastern frontier of France which might lead to war. Disarmament will lead to peace. I indignantly deny the suggestions that the Liberals are trying to divide the League of Nations into parties.”—A. and N.Z.