21 NOVEMBER 1925, Page 2

On Wednesday, the House of Commons, by an over- whelming

majority-375 to 13--decided to ratify the Locarno Pact. This volume of approval deprived the amendments, dealing with the admission of Russia to the League and with disarmament, of all immediate reality, though these questions are, of course, very real in them- selves. Reduction of armaments must be the sequel to Locarno, though Mr. Austen Chamberlain truly said that Locarno was not the place to raise that issue, nor had he any authority, to do it. As for Russia, she has, unfor- tunately, yet to show that she desires to join the League. Although the result of the debate had been foreseen, it is most gratifying that all parties have now formally pledged themselves to the Pact. It is confirmed as the policy of the nation.

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