DANGERS & HOPES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 July 1938, Page 5

DANGERS & HOPES

BRITAIN’S PART IN WORLD REVIEWED BY FOREIGN SECRETARY ACTION POSSIBLE IN FAR EAST (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, July 28. The Foreign Secretary, Viscount Halifax, took part in a debate in .the House of Lords on foreign affairs today. Referring to the situation in the Far East, he said that during the past year events had been happening there that had deceived the hopes of those who had looked for a bettei' era in the history of the world. By passing certain resolutions the League had succeeded in fixing its judgment on the conflict. The conference in Brussels, however, had not been in agreement on the question of intervention in the conflict. There was, however, another aspect. It was true that for over a century Britain had had many interests in China. Japan claimed that the action she was taking was in defence of her interests in China, and Britain claimed she had the right to protect British interests. The Government accepted its responsibilities in China, and had every intention of discharging them. “We are quite ready to consider, and are considering, possible action open to us if we do not secure adequate consideration of our own rights,” said Lord Halifax. Those matters at present were under discussion between Sir Robert Craigie, British Ambassador at Tokio, and the Japanese Minister of War, General Itagaki, but, as those discussions had not been concluded, the House would not expect him to go into details. The result of the discussions, however, would, be made public at the earliest possible moment.

Regarding Japan’s action at Tsingtao, Lord Halifax! said the Government was satisfied that there had been discrimination, and Sir Robert Craigie had made strong representations. Japan had then given an assurance that she would not place any unnecessary obstacles in the way of British trade in those parts of China which were occupied by the Japanese. SPAIN AND ITALY Speaking on non-intervention in Spain, Lord Halifax said that the policy of the Government remained to push on with non-intervention. The Government had received a reply from the Spanish Government, and he hoped to receive one from Burgos. “I am confident that, with good will on both sides, there need be no great delay in making real progress,” he said. He added that both sides knew that if at any time it seemed possible for the services of his Majesty’s Government to be usefully invoked for the establishment of an armistice, those services would most willingly be made available. Referring to Anglo-Italian relations, Lord Halifax said that the agreement with Italy was closely linked with the Spanish problem. It had been a matter of great regret to the Government that the requisite conditions upon which the agreement stood still remained unfulfilled.

The Government had been gratified by the collaboration of Italy, and only regretted that the agreement so far had not improved Franco-Italian relations, because one of the Government’s objects was to create confidence in the Mediterranean, and until Franco-Ital-ian relations could be placed on a proper footing that confidence could not be secured. THE SUDETEN PROBLEM Referring to the visit of Lord Runciman to Czechoslovakia, Lord Halifax said that the Government, in its policy towards that country, had but one single purpose in mind —the necessity for finding an agreed solution to ease what was a grave menace to European peace. The Government, acting closely with France, had agreed, in response to a request from Czechoslovakia, to send Lord Runciman to Prague. Lord Halifax said that he was in a position to say that the Sudeten leaders had received the idea favourably. “I have made it quite plain to Lord Runciman,” he said, “that he is in no way acting on behalf of the Government, and that we shall take no responsibility for whatever suggestions he may make." On his talks with Captain Weidemann, Herr Hitler’s aide-de-camp, last week, Lord Halifax said that it gave an opportunity for exchanging views on matters of common interest to both Governments. The effect of the conversations was to show that both nations were anxious to lose no opportunity of establishing better relations. He 1 did not believe those responsible for the Governments of any country in Europe today wanted war. As to Lord Runciman’s mission, if this work of mediation was to succeed, the less there was of recriminations or threats in the Press or elsewhere, the better. Britain confidently counted on Germany to give similar advice where she might, with a view to avoiding a deadlock, the consequences of which might be incalculable.