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Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 October 1938, Page 6

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ATLER -NS .. EMIER’S z ey • -. ’■/ THINK WAR . VITABLE \TONS OF WORLD •' ‘ : CONFERENCE - elegraph —Press Association. Copyright. • •. ’ teceived This Day, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, October 6. i; in his speech in the House of Commons, the Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) said: “The agreement Herr Hitler and I signed was not a pact, - and as far as the question of never going to war is concerned is not even an expression by the two people signing it, that it was in their opinion me uesire of their respective peoples. The document was not drawn up by Herr Hitler, but by the humble individual now addressing the House. “It must also be remembered that the great self-governing Dominions are affected by the question of peace or war. The Dominions have a right to consultation, before we take a step which might have incalculable consequences for them. I don’t think war is inevitable. The strongest argument against it is the universal aversion to war on the part of the peoples of the world. I believe the people of Britain desire the removal of the causes of war by discussion in a spirit of collaboration and goodwill. That means the establishment of personal contact with dictators. There must be a reasonable prospect of success before a world conference can be held. I sincerely believe that we may yet secure peace in our time, but I have never suggested that it could be achieved by disarming, which means weakness, unless we can induce others to disarm. The crisis has thrown light on our preparations. There must be the fullest enquiry to enable deficiences to be made good as soon as possible. I cannot help feeling that had war come, the people of Britain would have lost their spiritual faith altogether. Now we may well have a spiritual revival everywhere. There is a strong desire to serve, and I , would like to take advantage of that.’’ Mr Chamberlain stated that his previous statement that the Government would not introduce conscription or compulsory national service in peace time still holds good.

SOME OBJECTIONS MADE TO ADJOURNMENT MR ATTLEE’S CRITICISM (Received This Day, 1.10 p.m.) LONDON, October 6. On the motion for the adjournment in the House of Commons, the Leader of the Opposition (Mr C. R. Attlee) maintained that the House should continue closely to watch the situation. Sir A. Sinclair (Liberal Leader), suggested a meeting on October 18, which Captain H. Macmillan (Conservative), supported, declaring that many were snocked at the House taking a holiday during such a period. The House of Commons was being treated more like the Reichstag, meeting only to hear orations and register Government decrees. Mr Chamberlain said: “The House can be summoned should occasion arise. I think that is a sufficient safeguard.” Mr Attlee, winding up the debate, said the Government’s motion implied that peace could be achieved by the methods followed during the last seven years. Yet the only result thus far had been apprehension for the future of Britain and civilisation. Sir John Simon repudiated the idea of a Foui’ Power Pact; yet no other suggestion of future policy had been made.