The Dominion WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1945. THE BASTION OF LIBERTY

Dominion, Volume 38, Issue 289, 5 September 1945, Page 6

The Dominion WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 5, 1945. THE BASTION OF LIBERTY

The tribute paid by the Prime Minister at the luncheon in honour of the United Kingdom High Commissioner, Sir Patrick Duff, to the courage and endurance of the people of the Mother Country —the Bastion of Liberty—will be readily endorsed by all New J- ea " landers. The spirit they displayed, which rose as the menace drew nearer and burned more steadily as the attacks developed, was an inspiration to all lovers of freedom and the most convincing assurance of ultimate victory. In the course of his reply Sir Patrick Duff drew a graphic picture of what the British people had endured while ‘■month ran into month and weary year into weary year.” It is, indeed, difficult even to imagine the appalling domestic disruption which must have been caused by the removal of 22,500,000 civilians, the result of various phases of the war effort, for nothing could have a more unsettling effect than separation from the familiar things of home and neighbourhood in times of exceptional stress and strain. It would be pleasing to think that, with the ending of hostilities, there would come a speedy return to normal conditions, some relief from pressin,g problems, a spell, in a comparative sense, before the nation turned to face the problems of the post-war era and again took up the common round, the daily task. Unfortunately that prospect seems to have vanished. A cable message published yesterday stated: “Facing what has been described as an economic Dunkirk, the British people find that the first fruits of peace are the prospect of continuing wartime restrictions for an indefinite period, and the necessity for a tremendous burst of energy for the export trade to supply other nations with goods which it cannot yet afford for itself, in order that the country may pay for its victory.” Sir Patrick Duff’s interpretation of the position is that “there is little easement in toil, little let-up in shortages, little increase in amenities in sight for Britain’s folk.” It would be as well if this position were fully realized by the people of this fortunate country for it constitutes a challenge. ’ If Britain has to make “a tremendous burst of energy for the export trade,”- then this Dominion can direct its policy to ensure a market for British goods here. The benefits would be fully reciprocal, for our own financial stability as a community depends to a very great extent on the sale of our produce and raw materials to the United Kingdom. The need for them, especially of foodstuffs, will be urgent, and the trade will be within the sterling area and so make no demand on the international exchange position. The economic may lack the dramatic touch of the military Dunkirk, but though differing in nature the adverse effects may be almost as serious. The very intensity of the British war effort, which involved the sacrifice of the greater part of the export trade, has. complicated the problems which must now be faced, and the occasion, is one for a renewed demonstration of the unity which the Empire displayed through the long years of war. In time of war a country fights its way through dangers and difficulties; in time of peace it works its way through- them, and the vital controllable factor common to both is unity—of policy and effort. The need can be seen most clearly if the picture presented by Sir Patrick Duff of what the people of Great Britain have endured is placed alongside that of the immediate requirements of the country as it turns to regain and extend its overseas markets. This Dominion has its contribution to make both to the unity of the Empire and the economic recovery of the United Kingdom, and that must be a decisive factor in shaping its policy..