APPEAL TO THE DOMINIONS.

Press, Volume LVIII, Issue 17607, 9 November 1922, Page 9

APPEAL TO THE DOMINIONS.

THE SEPTEMBER CRISIS. MR BONAR LAW'S VIEWS. (By Cable—Prese Association—Copyright.) (Reuter's Telegrams.) (Received November Bth, 8.50 p.m.) LONDON. November 7. Mr Bonar Law, speaking in South London, referred to the ex-Premier's appeal to the Dominions nt the time of the recent Near East crisis. He expressed astonishment that it had been issued without previous consultation with the Dominions, and with the knowledge- of only three or four members of Cabinet. Mr Bonar Law declared that the whole relationship of the Empire was one of the most solemn things in connexion with our social and political life. He was of opinion tfiat an appeal for help, when not one Dominion : had the remotest idea that such was needed, was to risk one of the greatest assets of the Empire. AY hile wishing we had never gone to Palestine and Mesopotamia, Mr Law said he recognised the obligations which kept us there. He would carefully consider Y iscount Grey's suggestion and consult with the Dominions on the question. The London "Daily Telegraph's" diplomatic correspondent, writing on September 18th, upon the Near East crisis states: "The official statement defining the attitude of his Majesty's Government towards the present Near Eastern crisis, and, in particular, the Kemalist menace to world and European peaoe, throws a clear light on an issue ever vital to the security of our Empire, and decidod four years ago by the victorious forces of that Empire. Its immediate sequel has been prompt responses from New Zealand and Australia to the appeal from the Motherland for the active co-operation of the Dominions in safe-guarding the hallowed graves of the Anzacs on Gallipoli, and the fruits of their heroism and sacrifice. This appeal was due to tho joint inspiration of the Prime Minister and the Colonial Secretary. To anyone acquainted with Mr Massey's sturdy convictions as a patriot and a Christian, New Zealand's lightning decision to contribute her quota to the defence of the Straits will cause little surprise. During the Imperial Conference of the summer of 1921, I had the privilege of discussing the Near Eastern problem with New Zealand's Prime Minister, and I shall never forget how, in the course of, our conversation, speaking of our enemies in the East, Mr Massey observed that 'it would be a bad day for the Empire were the white man to show the white feather I' Mr Hughes was no less emphatic, that his equally prompt reply to the Motherland's call was always certain. What a refreshing change from the defeatist arguments of Turcophiles at home, not excluding a certain military set, of which the views have latterly found expression under the pen of MajorGeneral Sir Charles Townshend { or of Major-General Lord Edward Gleichen."