PROSPECTS FOR PEACE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 41, 18 February 1939, Page 9

PROSPECTS FOR PEACE

SIR J. SIMON OPTIMISTIC GROWING FEELING OF SECURITY [By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright] Received Feb. 17, 5.5 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 17. The Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir John Simon, in a public speech, said: “We are not prepared to surrender any of our vital interests in the pursuit of peace. There is an increasing feeling throughout the country regarding the prospects of peace. This more secure feeling results firstly, from the knowledge that Britain is growing stronger daily and the people are prepared to shoulder any and every burden necessary for security; secondly, from the close and warm Anglo-French understanding; thirdly, from the good relations with the United States; fourthly from the prospects of an early ending of the Spanish war and above all from the determination with which Mr. Chamberlain has pursued the promotion of understanding with others whatever form their government.’’ Sir John Simon added that rearmament was not aggressive and Britain would welcome the day when a general reduction in armaments could be effectively secured by an international agreement enabling labour and capital to be devoted to peace works.