JUNGLE LAW

Wairarapa Times-Age, 25 March 1939, Page 7

JUNGLE LAW

PRESENT DAY CONDITIONS IN EUROPE MR EDEN URGES IMMEDIATE AL i lON. PEACE-LOVING NATIONS SHOULD UNITE. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY,. March 23. “A great part of Europe now sees no law prevailing but the law of the jungle, where the prey falls to the swiftest and most ruthless stroke," said Mr Anthony Eden in a speech in London today. “What is the duty of peace-loving nations by this threatening condition? I believe that there can be only one answer —to unite now and immediately to organise defence against further aggression. “But if this policy is to succeed it must be based upon principle. You cannot unite the nations of Europe or any number of them simply on a basis of possession. The basis must be one of principle, and that principle is clear —to preserve what remains of the rule of law in Europe, to maintain those essential standards of international conduct unon which all progress depends and to protect those principles in Europe which yet survive.”

Mr Eden emphasised that ■ Britain could not enter upon this policy on a basis of limited liability, but would have to be ready to take her share in any defensive system that might be built up. not only on sea and in air, but also on land.

“It is my conviction,” concluded Mr Eden, “that we in this country cannot take too soon the necessary steps in relation to industry, to national wealth, and to man-power to enable us to do this.” JOINT DECLARATION DEGREE OF HELP TO POLAND. MAIN REASON FOR DELAY IN STATEMENT. LONDON, March 24. The diplomatic correspondent of “The Times” says that the French and British Ministers today again considered the British proposals for a joint declaration. which the Soviet has accepted. provided France. Britain and Poland stand bv a declaration. Poland still has not replied definitely. The correspondent adds that it is not surprising that many minds are being turned toward a small conference as the best means of a speedy agreement. A Paris message states that French correspondents in London agree that the main point which is delaying a declaration is the degree of assistance Poland would receive from France and Britain in the event of attack. French correspondents declare that France and Britain have already agreed automatically and without consultation to aid Switzerland. : The following is regarded in London as having been achieved —that France and Britain would automatically and without consultation aid Switzerlaid. Belgium and Holland in the event of German aggression, and that satisfactory guarantees of assistance have been given to Rumania.

BRITISH PREMIER. STATEMENT PROMISED AS SQON AS POSSIBLE. (British Official Wireless.) (Received T his Day, 10.25 a.m.) RUGBY, March 24. Sir John Simon, answering in the House of Commons a question by Mr C. R. Attlee said the Prime Minister, Mr Neville Chamberlain, would make a full statement on the international situation at the earliest possible moment. LABOUR TALKS. CONFINED TO FOREIGN SITUATION. (Received This Day, 10.10 a.m.) LONDON, March 24. Mr Attlee has issued a statement that there is not the slightest basis for a report that Mr Chamberlain and Lore Halifax are negotiating .with Mr Attlee and Mr Greenwood in an effort to broaden the basis of Government. The Labour discussions with Mr Chamberlain were entirely confined to the foreign situation. HITLER RETURNS CLASSES CALLED UP FOR REFRESHER COURSE. BELIEVED TO BE ROUTINE / MEASURE. (Received This Day, 10.10 a.m.) BERLIN, March 24. Herr Hitler has arrived. There were no demonstrations. Posters announce the calling up of 1906/08 classes for a two months’ refresher course. It is estimated that this will involve between five and six hundred thousand men. It is understood this is a routine measure. ACTION BY POLAND. RESERVISTS & SPECIALISTS CALLED UP. (Received This Day. 10.10 a.m.) WARSAW. March 24. Reservists of the 1914/15 classes and specialists have been called up. reportedly • to strengthen the northern frontiers.