LIBERTY'S BULWARKS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 273, 17 November 1936, Page 6

LIBERTY'S BULWARKS.

If we are to preserve the liberty of mankind it is of vital importance that Ave should preserve the cohesion, solidity and co-operation of the Empire, said the Marquis of Ilartington, Dominions Under-Secretary, at a welcome by the Royal Empire Society last night. That impressive statement is no mere figure of speech. From a very large part of Europe to-day Freedom's banishment is complete, and, as Lord Ilartington said, a careless word may be a sentence of death to its unfortunate utterer. Within the Empire freedom of speech and of thought still remains, and will flourish so long as the component nations stand together. One of the best assurances of this unity is the better understanding which comes from such visits as the Under-Secretary himself is now paying, such visits as that of Mr. Nash to England, and such Empire conferences as that to be held next May. The ultimate effect of these inter-, changes must greatly strengthen the links of trade and sentiment. There has been a greater spirit' of co-operation among Empire units, including the Crown colonies, during the past year than at any time in history, and at a time when the international situation is •so beclouded that tendency ■ demands every 1 encouragement.