ELECTION POLICY

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIX, Issue 136, 11 June 1945, Page 5

ELECTION POLICY

MR. CHURCHILL'S PARTY

"BASED ON TESTED PRINCIPLES"

RUGBY, June 9

"Our programme is not based on unproved theories or fine phrases, but on principles which have been tested anew in the fires of war and have not been found wanting. We commend it to the country not as offering an easy road to the nation's goal, but because, while safeguarding ancient liberties, it tackles practical problems in a practical way," said Mr. Churchill, as leader of the new "national" Government, in a declaration of policy. Dealing first with international policy he said: "The settlement of Europe and the prosecution of the war against Japan depend on decisions of the utmost gravity which can be taken only by resolute, experienced men. Our alliance with Russia and our intimate friendship with the United States can be maintained only if we show that our candour is matched by our strength. We shall base our whole international policy on the recognition that in world affairs the Mother Country must act in the closest possible concert with all other parts of the British Commonwealth and Empire.

"The progress of. the Indian Army must not be overlooked in framing plans for granting India a fuller opportunity to achieve Dominion status. We should ever be mindful of our obligations towards minorities and the Indian States. The arrangement made during the war for constant mutual consultation with the Dominions and India on all matters of joint interest must be perfected in peace. In particular, the whole subject of Imperial defence must be reviewed in relation to our world responsibilities and modern weapons. FOSTERING OF EMPIRE TRADE.

"Mutually convenient arrangements must be made to foster Imperial trade. The movement of men and women' within the Empire must be made easier. Those who wish to change homes should be enabled to carry their national insurance rights with them. Imperial ties should be knit together by closer personal contact and understanding." Saying that their responsibility to the colonies was to lead them forward to self-government, Mr. Churchill added that the policy laid down in the Colonial Development and Welfare Acts must be keenly pressed forward. Empire resources needed to be developed for the benefit of all its many peoples. "Britain must not lose her position in world affairs," he added. "She cannot afford to break and squander the splendid organism of defence she has with so much effort brought into existence. Above all, the nucleus and special elements of command and research must be kept in the highest position." Forecasting a prolonged occupation of Germany, he said: "We have immediately to relieve many of those who have borne the brun* of battle by others who have not so far had the honour to go to the front." Until the world security organisation became a reality, all citizens under democratic government should bear the responsibility of defending their country and its cause. By a system of national service, our young men must be trained to play their part if danger calls," he said. "Only a Britain that is strong and ready to fight in defence of freedom will avoid the immeasurable horrors of another war. NATIONAL INSURANCE SCHEME. "One of our most important tasks," Mr. Churchill continued, "will be to bring into action a nation-wide compulsory scheme of national insurance based on the plan announced, by the Government of all parties in 1944. In return for a single consolidated contribution, there will be new increased ■benefits, among which are old-age or retirement pensions of 20s for a single person arid 35s for a married couple. Family allowances are one part of the great scheme, and the arrangements made will ensure that men and women serving in the forces and those disabled will benefit equally with other classes. "We propose to create a comprehensive health service covering the whole range of medical treatment from the general practitioner to the specialist, from the hospital to convalescence arid rehabilitation, and to introduce legislation for this purpose in the new Parliament." Nothing would be done to destroy the close personal relationship between the doctor and patient, nor to restrict the patients-free choice of a doctor. Dealing with exports, Mr. Churchill said: "Britain on overseas trade for maintaining her standard of living. It is only by greatly increasing exports and services that the whole vast volume of our internal trade can be maintained and increased. The exchange of goods and services with Empire countries is our most, fertile and natural market. We must do all we can to promote international trade, but of course we cannot give up our right to safeguard our balance of payments by whatever means are necessary. "We must guard against the abuses to which monopolies may give rise," said Mr. Churchill in dealing with freedom of enterprise. "Nationalisation involves State monopoly, with no proper protection for anyone against monopoly power. Neither that nor any other form of unfettered monopoly should be allowed to exist in Britain." ' END TO CONTROLS. As for controls, Mr. Churchill said he stood for removing them as quickly as the need for them disappeared. As long as a shortage of food remained, rationing must obviously be accepted. The dangers of inflation must also be guarded against. "We intend to guard the people against those who, under the guise of war necessity, would like to impose on Britain for their own purpose a permanent system of bureaucratic control reeking of totalitarianism," he said. There would soon be a large world surplus of wartime shipping, and we should enter international consultations for its orderly disposal and to avoid competitive subsidies after the war. Mr. Churchill warned that the war against Japan and social plans would require a much higher rate of expenditure than before the war. The burden must be borne by all citizens as taxpayers. Yet they would aim to make an early reduction of taxation in a way ttiat would stimulate energy and permit free individual choice. They would permit no monkeying with the people's savings. They desired to see property widely spread, and rejoiced that the savings movement, which must go on, had made almost everyone a property owner. —8.0. W.