DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM

Evening Star, Issue 22516, 8 December 1936, Page 15

DEMOCRATIC SYSTEM

IMPLIES WILL TO OEFENO ITSELF SOME SOUND ADVICE s .. -'.[Ter United Phess Association.] WELLINGTON, December 7. “There has been a lot of nonsense talked about the value of collective security in defence,” said Mr Kcnuctn Lindsay, l Civil Lord of the Adm.ralty, replying to a welcome at a State luncheon to-day. “If you talk about collective security as a national aspiration it 'is logical to ask what is going to be done about national defence,” he added. “That, I think, is the problem which immediately presents itself to the self-governing dominions. That is what collective security really means. May I leave it ‘at that? I do not think it is necessary to dot i’s and 'cross t’s.” Referring to what was going on in Europe to-day, Mr Lindsay emphasised the need of maintaining the system of free democracy and freedom of election. That, system alone dignified the men who were elected and the nation that elected them.

Mr Lindsay mentioned that he found in Germany that leadership was the predominant principle and free election was decried as being weak. The movement in Europe to-day was primarily anti-politician. The political system was being lampooned l . This was going on also in England and in Australia. Personally, he stood strictly ly the democratic system which implied the will to defend itself. It also implied strength at the centre, the maintenance of the rights of citizensnip, freedom of thought, freedom of contract, and, within reasonable limits, freedom in the exchange of goods. They were the only safeguards for wages and a decent standard of living. “ Dictatorship does not go hand in hand with a high standard of living,” Mr Lindsay added. “ That is why.' 1 am visiting New Zealand to see this sturdy democratic plan. Meanwhile I am proud to be a humble Minister in one of the greatest agencies for peace —the Royal Navy.”