ADDRESS BY MR CHURCHILL

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25936, 17 October 1949, Page 7

ADDRESS BY MR CHURCHILL

CONSERVATIVE PARTY CONFERENCE BRITAIN’S PART IN EMPIRE DISCUSSED LONDON, October 14. When addressing a mass meeting in London to-night at the close of the Conservative Party’s annual conference. Mr Churchill spoke of Britain’s part in Empire Affairs, in Europe and in “our fraternal association with the United States.” After attacking the Government’s financial policy, Mr Churchill turned from the “hard and darkening scenes at home.” and spoke of the Empire. “I hope all Conservatives will call it the British Empire and Commonwealth of Nations, and let others imitate us as they learn," he said. “There is our first thought and dream and aim Then there is our fraternal association with the United States in what is called the English-speaking world. Third, there is this grand design of a free and united Europe in which we are resolved to play our part. As I see it there are these three circles in each of which we have a vital share, and these may be linked together if we prove ourselves worthy.” Earlier Mr Churchill attacked the Government’s ‘‘riot of spending.” and the “rake’s progress of unbridled expenditure.” ‘‘Great efforts have been made by the British people, but at the end, all we have come to is devaluation. It is not only our money that has been devalued. Our prestige and reputation abroad have been devalued,” he said. Mr Churchill said that whenever the general election came the Conservatives would be ready. On certain grounds they could afford to wait, but on national grounds doubts arose. Could Britain afford months of elecJ tioneering, with Parliament not only dead but decomposing? he asked. He would not grudge the Government any advantage it could gain by doing its duty, but the national safety demanded deeds, not words, he continued. Their policy statement showed where the Conservatives wanted to go, but when the election came . they would not try to get in by offering immediate material inducements, nor compete with the Socialists with promises of Utopias just round the corner. It would be better to lose the election than win-by promises, Mr Churchill said. “If the Government of Britain is entrusted to us we will do our best for all. without fear or favour.” he said, adding that the example set in the days of Dunkirk would be followed.