AUSTRIA'S PEACE.

Taranaki Daily News, 16 April 1920, Page 5

AUSTRIA'S PEACE.

PROBLEM OF SMALL STATES. DISARMAMENT ESSENTIAL. By TelecrapU—Preas Assn.—Copyrijht. Received April 15, 5.5 p.m. • London, In the House of Commons, in moving the second reading of a Bill providing for the carrying into effect of tile Austrian and Bulgarian Treaties, Mr. Cecil Harmsworth (Under Secretary for Foreign Affairs) emphasised the difficulties in Austria's ease owing to the break up of the Empire.

The principle of self-determination had not been greatly violated, although the German population numbering a quarter of a million in the Tyrol were included within the new frontier of Italy. This was due to the principle that strategic necessity must be recognised.

The situation tin the Jugo-Slav frontier was for thp moment too delicate for a profitable discussion. Regarding reparations, Mr. Harmsworth said that since the armistice the Allies had acted,with magnanimity towards their former enemies. The most important article in the Treaty was that giving Bulgaria access to the Aegean Sea. which was not yet definitely settled.

Mr. Asquith said no State in Europe had less justification for joining the Central Empires in the war than Bulgaria. She came at a most critical moment of the struggle, and Bulgaria must bear a heavy responsibility for the prolongation of the war. Therefore the Powers generally had not dealt harshly with her.

Mr. Asqj.iith uttered a warning against the risk of the Balkanization of Austria. He criticised the absence of provision for commercial intercourse between the new States. Tt was* all important that wa should re-create economic unity. The Allies should insist on the disarmament of the new States with a view of safeguarding the peace of Eastern Europe. Mr. Bonar Law, replying to tlie debate, agreed tliat it was deplorable the way the small States were arming, but they were independent States, and any attempt to limit armaments would not be tolerated. He admitted that unless a limitation of armaments was brought about the war would have been fought to a large otxent in vain. The League of Nations Covenant was embodied in these Treaties, and it was the duty of the Government to do its utmost to make the League effective. The second reading was carried by 138 votes to 34.—Imperial Service.