BRITISH EMPIRE LEAGUE

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 270, 9 August 1920, Page 5

BRITISH EMPIRE LEAGUE

Sir,—Some few weeks ago you kindly, published a letter from me TindclT'the above heading. At the time I askedrif any of your readers could supply mo'with' any data as regards tho aims, and'''ohjects of the league, but was unable' to obtain tho necessary information. - ; ;'l then wrote to the secretary, British Biripire League, Melbourne, and I ani in ie* ceipt of a very satisfactory reply from! the secretary, Mr. V. Har'mau. • I am' also in receipt of a copy of tho aims and objects, and other literature. '-■

I consider that the times are such that any movement that will tend to bring toJ gether loyal and true men and women, is worthy of support and encouragement. For general information I may say that several of the objects of the league are us follows:—

(a) To secure the permanent unity of ttio British Empire. (b). To encourage the growth of the Empire spirit in Australasia, and to spread throughout the Commonwealth (and Dominion) a knowledge of the advantages and responsibilities of cooperation in the interests of the British race.

(c) To foster the spirit of loyalty to the Crown as the supreme bond of union Swtween all parts of the Empire as an mdivisable commonwealth of free and united nations. ; (d) To provide a . common meeting ground for the adherents of all political, religious, and other organisations, and j to endeavour to counteract all disintegrating tendencies an,d disloyal propaganda. ! (o) To welcome and provide 'facilities' j for distinguished visitors to the Stato from Great Britain and the Dominions, particularly .those whose mission is to. ' ; promote closer intercourse and a belter ! understanding between the Stale And ohor parts of tho Empire. ', (i) To develop the principles on which all parts of the Empire may best share In its general defence, endeavouring to bring into harmony public opinion nt Jloine and in the dominions on this sub- ; ject, and to devise a more perfect cooperation of the military and naval ; forces of the Empire, with ft special view '■ U> the protection of the trade -routes. Tho foregoing will, I think, give a gen- I eral outline of the aims and objects of Mie league. ; In his personal letter to me, Mr. Har- ! man, the leaguo secretary, says that if the sfTea of forming a New Zealand division is likely to be well received in the Dominion, and if he conld be of any vuse. he might possibly arrange to visit Wellington to help on the project; this might probably bo extended to the four ohief centres. Tho important pronouncements recently made by the Premiers of Great Britain and New Zealand are wortbv of our closest attention. The Et. Hon. D. liloyd Georgo: "There was never a time when,there was a greater need for unity to secure a solution, of tho urgent problems at Home and abroad." The Jit. Hon. W. F. Masscy: "Ho was verv •strongly of opinion that tho Empire must be kept together at anv cost, and at and he felt sure that th» majority of the people of New Zealand was with him in that opinion.-"—I am, etc.,

„,.,,_ , . JOHN I?. BRUNT. Christchuroh, August 5, 1920.