Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1935. THE ELECTIONS IN BRITAIN.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 56, Issue 28, 14 November 1935, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 14, 1935. THE ELECTIONS IN BRITAIN.

The general elections which take place in Britain to-day are naturally more-concerned with foreign policy, and its concomitant prOblems, than is usually the case. \X/ith the war now being waged in Abyssinia and Ger—many's recent official repudiation of the Treaty of Versailles the public attention has been focused on the question of Britain's place in world affairs andon her preparedness to meet any contingency that might threaten her prosperity or wellbeing. The leaders of the three 'major parties agree that “the supreme issue is the maintenance of peace abroad and safety at home," to quote lVlr Winston Churchill. All three agree that peace must. be kept through collective'action through the League of Nations'and that sanc~ tions must be imposed against an aggressor, but on the method by which that collective action is to be implemented there is wide divergence of views. The Opposition belabours the Government for alleged lack of firmness at Geneva. It declares that Britain must stand firm for peace. Scorn is poured on the Government’s plea that, while according full support to the League, the fundamental objective of conciliation should not be ‘lost to sight. The existence of efforts at a settlement on a mutually agreed basisbetween Italy and Abyssinia is quoted as evidence of the Government's readiness to compromise the League and the principles it stands for. ‘But while urging that Britain should lstand more strongly for peace, the Opposition accuses the Government of militancy, asserting that the recent provision for an increase in the defence‘vforces is- but inciting other Powers to intensify the race for armaments. Putting the Government case, the Prime Minister has pointed out, that sanctions in their severest farm must involve a blockade, the brunt of which would fall on' the British Navy. Heatherefore contends that the Navy must be modernised. so that Britain will be able to play the part many are demanding of her. In this arm and in the air the best equipment available is necessary, on the general principle of efficiency and on behalf of the men as well. Mr Baldwin asks for a mandate from the people to make up past deficiencies in defence, not only 'as national . self-protection ‘vu‘t so that Britain'may beinfluential for peace at Geneva. Heelias pointed out that Britain's example in reducing her armaments has. not been followed, with the result that her voice in international counsels is less decisive than it has been for a century. But the domestic policies of the rival parties are interesting, only the overshadowing by the foreign field being respon~ sible for the relegation of these to the background. Mr Lloyd George, using the questionnaire of the Council of Action, sought from candidates a precise answer concerning the plan of reconstruction he has propounded,‘ and Labour, aiming .at uSocialism at home,” sets out a detailed list of “reforms" in furtherance of its cause. A comparison of the items in the programme of Labour with those announced by the Government reveals some marked divergencies, however, for the Government is able to claim a faithful discharge of its stewardship in the reduction of unemployment, the re-establishment of many industries on a sound basis, the expansion of trade, rand an increase in, agricultural prices iand in real wages generally, whereas ‘the implication of Labour’s manifesto is .that everything worth while remains to be done.‘ The latest cabled fore—casts reveal confidence that the Government will be returned, the chief interest in the polling centring in how large its majority will be and how certain prominent statesmen Will fare in {their electorates.