MR. HUGHES' SPEECHES.

Taranaki Daily News, 23 June 1919, Page 5

MR. HUGHES' SPEECHES.

fcEAOUE OF NATIONS CBITICISED. 8* Te!»*r»ph.—Prsu Aon—Copyright. Received June 22, 6.5 p.m. i London, June 20. Dennum presided at the British Empire Learnt lucohWn to Mr. Hughes *nd Sir J*, wok at Olaridge'a Hotel. . Mr. Hughes followed ljp his speech on Imperial economic policy by. an outspokes criticism of the League of Nations in relation to the British navy, fle said: "I welcomed the League of Nations, but does anyone think the League trill bottle up human nattoe! Australia is the most distant outpost of white civilisation, and the rea} problem is, if we are attacked, shall we call on the British Eajpire or the League of Nations forhelpt What will Awtlr&lia's position be in a time of trouble if the British WW U part of a polyglot, heterogeneous force attached to The Lijgue, which will pfOb&biy tndude one deadly enemy?" He added; "I dont doubt that the League, Jrftir careful and prolonged consideration, wiß act, but will it come to Australia's aid with the eame swiftness as U» British navy? The first warning in the next war win be the roar of cannon. The British navy has been a sure shield Hfertng the past five years, and the Em- . pb» will not abandon the navy for that fcthar thing which has still to win its ibpurs. If the mevy is controlled by the 'j Other, or whitUed down, then there will f>« the beginning of the end of. the Emjpjre." Sir Josepfc COOK deprecate the recent fxltiSm of the peaee. The delegates Irere neit&er fpojjjnor knaves, and were Entitled to the peace's sympathy. As an {Australian, the Motherland he saM: "My feeling is that there is so hiurh trouble in <mv own country needTng'onr attrgf sai wisdom that it is better to lwro England to face its dolaestid oonamu wjrile we unravel and kfeaighttan oat onr own.*—Avs, N,Z, PW»Aj«od.