The Evening Star THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 1944. EMPIRE FOREIGN POLICY.

Evening Star, Issue 25084, 27 January 1944, Page 4

The Evening Star THURSDAY, JANUARY 27, 1944. EMPIRE FOREIGN POLICY.

In a speech in Toronto Lord Halifax, referring; to the Empire, said it would he an immeasurable gain if on vital issues a common, foreign policy, expressed not by a single voice, but in unison, could 'be achieved. Tin's remark, which is merely the expression of a desire, has occasioned criticism in Canada, the suggestion, being that this was a matter that the Canadians were qualified to, determine for themselves. It would appear that undue sensitiveness is 'being displayed on this question. It is clear that in the mind of Lord Halifax there was no idea of dictation. The two wars in which the dominion has played such a notable part have emphasised the • importance of united effort in measures of defence, and it should not be beyond the capacity of the statesmen of the Empire to frame a common policy. Canada admittedly stands in a different position from Australia and New Zealand, where Empire sentiment hardened in the face of a very real threat to them. There is not the same homogeneity in Canada because of the mixture of races, and, furthermore, these is a sense of security by reason of the proximity of the United States. In the future the Powers that will count most will be the British Empire,, the United States, Russia, and China, and it is evident that what is in the mind of Lord Halifax is that -Britain and the dominions should make preparations for such a development. In his opinion there should' be a system of loose unity rather than an Empire Parliament with a constitution binding all the members. Tremendous problems will face the world when the war ends. The chief aim, following the principles of the Atlantic Charter, will be to make peace permanent and secure, and in this effort the lead must be given by Britain and America acting in concert. On this point Lord Halifax gave an assurance that his proposal would not affect Canada's status in relations with the United States and the 'right to make separate treaties and maintain separate embassies and legations. Lord Halifax is on the right lines, and there is no need whatever for apprehension in Canada, that her sovereigu rights will 'be endangered. A common foreign policy for the Empire would help, not hinder, the work of the peacemakers, whose plans must be based on the real-' isation that has come to the world that a 1 democratic system of' government with the maximum of freedom for the people is best for every nation.