BRITAIN’S PART AT GENEVA.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXIII, 27 March 1926, Page 9

BRITAIN’S PART AT GENEVA.

Foreign Minister’s “ Victory.” AMERICAN PRESS COMMENT. By O-.blc—Press Association— Copyright. Australian and X.Z. Cable Association. (Received .March 20, 5.-> p.m.) NEW YORK, March 25. The newspapers generally regard Sir Austen Chamberlain's vindication as a hollow victory, except “The Now York Times.” which says Sir Au.stan Chamberlain did much to blow away the isuspiciim which hud gathered round wlmt wa.s done at Geneva. Little by little the whale atmosphere ol doubt and suspicion, which was ariilicially created, lias been cleared up.” The “New York Herald and Tribune," on the contrary, says: “Sir Austen Chamberlain won a parliamentary triumph, but the public is as baffled as it was before. Mr Lloyd George attempted to probe the mystery.” 'The -“Morning World" .says: “It is probable that even within the Unionist. Party some doubt exists whether the whole story has -been told.” The “Evening World,” heading its leader, “Sir Austen’s doubtful victory, says,: “His .speech is more wordy than weighty.” FOREIGN MINISTER HONOURED INSPIRED BY LOCARNO SPIRIT. By Cable—Press Association—Copyright. , ( *vstralißD and N.Z. fable Aprou'itiLONDON, March 25. The Foreign Minister, Sir Ausum Chamberlain,, received the Freedom of the City. Mr Baldwin, Mr Churchill, Colonel Arnery, the High Commissioners of the Dominions and India and nine Ambassadors were present. Sir. A. Chamberlain was given ar ovation. In Ills speech lie eJaimed that, the work of Locarno emerged not merely unharmed hut strengthened from Geneva. He did not doubt- but with goodwill, the difficulty of reconciling the rig) its of each democracy in its own country with the spirit of the League would bo solved. Sir Austen concluded by saying: “If anything could make ibis hour dearer or more precious to ilia it is the belief that 1 have followed the footsteps of my dear father. As a result of the work in which I have been engaged, I have repaid some of the debt I owe him in a way that would be dearest to his heart.” Mr Baldwin, in proposing Sir Austen Chamberlain’s health, said as his tather’s name is connected witn the consolidation of the Empire, so Sir Austen's name would perpetually Inn u a foremost place in the' ranks of those who sought, to bring peace to Europe. Nobody had done more to advance the interests of the League of Nations. Responding, the Foreign Minister, referring to the Locarno Peace Pact, reminded his hearers that two great, far-seeing German statesmen took the first step in the 'path to Locarno. Dealing with the results at the Geneva Conference he said, “i think during the bitterness of the first disappointment I used exaggerated language, for the-event, though unfortunate, had neither the iuovitab'leness nor 1 finality of a true tragedy. Such a setback was noc surprising, remembering the League’s infancy, but only a momentary check, duo to exterior circumstances." They should not expect as much from a. young .League as they might hope for when it reaches maturity. Tie added that Foreign Affairs, whieil were a mystery formerly, and known to but few, was now everybody’s business. .Democracy’s claims for information sometimes clashed with the League’s work, and unless the rights of democracy were wisely used the result of the Geneva Conference might he a repetition of the old story of irreconcilable claims, instead of tho tion.