SOCIALISM AND EMPIRE

Press, Volume LXXXIV, Issue 25679, 16 December 1948, Page 6

SOCIALISM AND EMPIRE

“DEPLORABLE” VIEW IN HIGH PLACES BRITAIN’S DIFFICULTIES The “deplorable” attitude of many people in the highest places, who put Socialism before the Empire, was a contributing factor to the difficulties through which it was now passing, said Mr S. G’. Holland (Leader of the Opposition) in an address to the Canterbury division of the National Party last evening. There were people in high places in England who said the liquidation of the Empire was essential to implement a policy of Socialism, while nearer home a Fabian Socialist had proclaimed in the New Zealand Parliament that he was happy to say the British Empire was in liquidation. Referring to the dropping of the word "British,” Mr Holland said that whatever anyone else did, he himself would continue to use the word British and to regard himself as British. The National Party was proud to hoist its flag for Britain, for the British Empire, for imperial preference, and for any and every means of regaining for Britain the place which, because of her sacrifices and service to mankind, she was entitled to occupy. “•Frankly, and I want all to hear it, I am against Russia and against Communism,” he said, “because Russia and Communism would deny to us British people the way of life we prefer. I am also in deadly opposition to paying the fares of Communist agents to come here at the taxpayers’ expense to carry on their subversive activities. When connecting Mr Nash’s earlier admiration for the Soviet system of economic planning with his recent cable of good wishes, which he had forgotten until reminded about it in the House of Representatives, we have no difficulty in understanding where the Minister of Finance stands.” “Basest Ingratitude”

New Zealand was not doing much to help Britain by locking out goods which Britain wanted to sell, and by refusing Britain, which had defended and saved New Zealand, the right to carry on certain classes of business in this country. That showed the basest ingratitude.

Nor was New Zealand playing her part in defence. The greatest single factor ensuring world peace, was preparedness on the part of the Western ’Powers, and their determination to meet any -show of force with greater force. New Zealand, however, was sitting idly by and leaving it all to hard-pressed Britain and to the United States. Although New Zealand had staffs of the highest quality, there were virtually no trainees for them to train. The army was like the Portuguese army—4ill generals. “There is, however, much greater reason to-day for optimism concerning the world situation than existed a year ago.” said Mr Holland. “This is due to the growing strength and unity

of the Western Powers. The friendship between the British Empire and the United States. France, and the Benelux countries is the greatest hope we have. The assistance provided by the United States since the war is unparalleled in history.”