LABOUR’S VIEWPOINT

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 351, 11 May 1928, Page 9

LABOUR’S VIEWPOINT

UNRESERVED ACCEPTANCE BEST LEAGUE OBSTACLES FEARED (United. P.A.—By Telegraph — Copyright) (Australian P.A.—United Service) Reed. 12.35 p.m. LONDON, Thursday. The Leader of the Labour Party, Mr. Ramsay Macdonald, said everyone must be unhappy and disquietened at the issue of the recent crisis in Egypt. The problem was merely suspended and unsolved by the ultimatum and the movement of warships, which necessarily lowered us in the eyes of Egypt. “Let us,” Isaid, “make it perfectly clear fhat we have no intention of interfering in the national operation of the self-government of Egypt. Any Government under the impression that we can go back to Cromerism will have a severe and tragi disillusionment. “Our answer to Mr. Kellogg’s Note will considerably influence AngloAmerican relations, which are not as good as they ought to be. Complete and unreserved acceptance was the best method “I hope we do not raise League of Nations’ problems. It would be one of the greatest tragedies of history if the League commitments in Europe prevented us from participating in Mr. Kellogg’s wider and more comprehensive proposals.’* , Commander J. M. Kenworthy, Labour member for Hull: Should we be free, provided the Dominions are with us, ty> negotiate directly, or should we be bound to consult France or anyone else? Sir Austen Chamberlain: We are not bound to consult any other Government unless we think it desirable. America’s first purpose was to obtain the signature of the six Governments. If we can contribute anything to secure unity among the six, we shall be happy to do so. Asked when he expected to be able to repjy to America, Sir Austen said that if the Dominions concurred in the proposed reply, further time would not be needed. He would immediately hand the reply to the American Ambassador in' London.