Mr. Chamberlain then referred to Britain's relations with the two Powers associated with the Rome-
Berlin axis.
It was the Government's sincere desire, he said, that those relations should be firmly established on a básis of mutual friendship and understanding.
"But we believe that such an understanding, which might have far-reaching effects in restoring confidence and security to Europe, can more hopefully be pursued by an informal discussion than by a public declaration."
After stating that Britain's aim must be to strengthen the authority of the League of Nations, the Prime Minister referred to the astonishing economic progress made by the world as a whole since 1932.
He ended his speech on a note of hope.
"I am sure," he stated, "that a way can and will be found to free the world from the curse of armaments and the fears that give rise to them and to open up a happier and wiser future for mankind."—Reuter.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.