BRITAIN’S FUTURE

Evening Star, Issue 22882, 14 February 1938, Page 14

BRITAIN’S FUTURE

" NO CAUSE FOR PESSIMISM OR DEFEATISM 11

MR EDEN ADDRESSES . JUNIOR IMPERIAL LEAGUE

(British Official Wireless.) Press Association —By Telegraph—Copyright

RUGBY, February 13,

(Received, February 14, at 8 a.m.)

Mr Eden, speaking at a Junior Imperial League demonstration in Birmingham, said the difficulties in the present state of the world were bound at times to seem overwhelming, if it were not for the sympathy and understanding of the younger generation. The Government to-day must strive in its foreign policy “ not only for peace in our time, but for peace in yours.” This meant, he said, that there must be no sacrifice _ of_ principles and shirking of _ responsibilities merely to obtain quick results that might not bo permanent. “ In the changing world there is one thing which does not change—the qualities which have created for Britain the national position it holds in ( the world to-day,” he said. “ Those who take a pessimistic view of our future would do well to study again the records of our past and to note the constant reassertion of that same British character which, despite failures and defects, has made our history. .So long as that remains true and unimpaired there is no cause for pessimism or defeatism.”. DEMOCRACIES AND DICTATORSHIPS FRIENDSHIP NOT IMPOSSIBLE. (British ■ Official Wireless.) RUGBY, February 13. (Received February 14, at noon.) Addressing the Junior Imperial League demonstration at Birmingham Mr Eden said while they in Britain were ready to make their contribution to strengthen peace it was well understood that others must make their contribution too. “ Weoffer friendship to all, but on equal terms,” he said. “ For it is not by seeking to buy temporary goodwill that peace is made, but on a basis of frank reciprocity with mutual respect. Great importance attaches to the attitude of those who have grown up in these troubled times when the world is beset with so many anxieties.” Mr_ Eden said youth movements in Britain were inevitably different from those of totalitarian States, but among the voluntary associations which existed there was ample scope for wider and ever wider service to the State. Democracy has its objectives, and must pursue them in its own way. This does not mean defiance or antagonism towards other countries. Friendship between democracies and dictatorships must not become impossible. We do not wish to see a lasting cleavage of democracies ranging themselves against dictatorships. I feel that the future rests with you to concentrate, not on differences, but on what is common to both.” STATEMENT WELCOMED IN GERMANY. BERLIN, February 13. (Received February 14, at 11 a.m.)

Mr Eden’s statement was welcomed, a political spokesman declaring that Germany was willing to contribute goodwill but others must do likewise. Germany was also opposed to dividing democracies from totalitarians.