Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 1945. FOREIGN POLICY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 268, 23 August 1945, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, AUGUST 23, 1945. FOREIGN POLICY.

One of the most encouraging features of tljie presentation in the House of Commons of Britain’s foreign policy by Mr Ernest Bevin was its reception by the Opposition. England has experienced a complete swing politically, and there may ihave (been some cause for misgiving as to how the new administration would face up to the tremendously difficult period ahead. The war was won largely' as the result of teamwork, the Coalition /pulling together wonderfully well. It was inevitable that there should come a parting of the ways, but the long period spent bv Labour Ministers in helping to guide the country through the war years served to give them a valuable insight into international affairs, and Mr Kevin’s speech clearly indicates that the new Government has no intention of making any drastic break in the continuity of Britain’s foreign policy. That fact alone will generally be welcomed, and Mr Eden’s expression of good wishes, and his assertion that the policy as outlined would receive the approval of the House as a whole can be accepted as an indication that file Opposition will assist in its implimentation. Quite naturally, chief interest centred in Mr Bevin’s reference to Germany because, with the prospect of Europe being cold and hungry during the coming winter, Germany’s ability to produce will cause her to play a central role; and her production will depend in no small measure on the efficiency of the plans made by the occupying Governments concerning economic control and reconstruction. According to a report by Field - Marshal Sir Bernard Montgomery, more than 1,000,000 persons are still living in tents in the British-occupied zone, and the genius and ability of tille Control Commission will, undoubtedly be taxed in its efforts to get these people resettled and in a position to earn their own living.. These people for years have been fed oil Nazi propaganda, and in re-edu-cating them tolerance, patience and determination will have to be exercised. But Europe is only one part; there are many other nations which come within the orbit of foreign policy, and so far as these are concerned, made Britain’s attitude fairly clear. The war has brought many of them to the verge of exhaustion, ' and they may have to be assisted in the building-up process. International trade cannot flourish again until all nations have built up their resources, and security is the basis of economic expansion. The position is not altogether simple, and that is reflected in Mr Bevin s words when he was referring to the Balkans. “Governments which have been set up in Bulgaria, Rumania and Hungary do not in our view represent a majority of the people,” said Mr Bevin. “The impression we have from recent developments is that one kind of totalitarianism is being replaced by another. That is not-what we understand by the much over-worked word ‘democracy.’ ” It is clear from this that Britain is determined to stand for freedom and justice for ordinary people everywhere. Her poljcy is definitely based on economic unity in the post-war world.