EMPIRE UNITY

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 December 1926, Page 5

EMPIRE UNITY

RESULTS OF CONFERENCE.

EARL BALFOUR’S SPEECH. (Australian & N.Z. Cable Assn.) (By Cable —Press Assn. —Copyright.,) LONDON, December 1. A distinguished assemblage attended the Pilgrims’ Dinner, of which Viscount Cave was chairman, being flanked by the Duke of York and the Prince of Wales. Prior to the Duke of York’s speech (published yesterday), Lord Balfour, proposing the Diike of York’s health, said that the Duke was going on a mission which would be neither administrative nor diplomatic, but was no less important to the Empire 'on that account. None could accomplish it so well as the members of his house in achieving the personal touch -by thus visiting every part of the Empire. Lord Balfour referred to similar missions of the King and the. Prince of Wales, but said he doubted it either knew the incalculable value of their services. The Duke of York’s tour supplied a vital link, because it occurred after the Imperial Conferecne. It was said that there was nothing new in the resolutions at Avhich they had arrived, “but,” he said, “what has never been explicitly stated is the moral, emotional basis upon which the whole fabric exists that has now been unanimously accepted. The new thing is not that there is no control by the Mother Country of the self-governing Dominions, but that the self-governing portions of . the Empire explicitly , re-

gard themselves as elements in a great unity, which does not depend on control, but on common ideals. It is hard to accept the belief that a great Empire can exist without control. For the first time, we have announced to the Empire that we are an Empire of which the self-governing portions are united by something greater, sublime and more effective. It is only now that the Empire begins to be what it was predestined to be. It is only now brought home to the constituents that it is their business to manage their business as they please, but that they are all parts of a greater whole. I am certain that the Dominions will always be ready to offer their services to the Empire whenever a need arises. An Empire | ii¥ which control no longer counts must depend upon personal intercourse, and, for this reason, the service which the Duke of York is about ot rendre will be immensely helfful. He comes of a family to which all the citizens of the Empire loyally turn. He and the Duchess are singularly gifted for the task, which they have taken upon themselves. The services they will render cannot in the existing circumstances of the Empire, be too highly over-valued. Therefore we not only give them God speed because we love and esteem them on their own account, but because of the great service they are about to render to the Empire, of which they are devoted children.”

Mr Bruce paid a tribute to Lord Balfour’s services at the Imperial Conference. He said: “Thet Conference’s report is one of the most valuable documents ever presented in our history. There is no necosisty to stress the unity of the Empire. It will be even greater than in the years th;> have gone. It rests upon our shonl-:-vs to tike advantage thereof.” In wishing the Duke and Duchess of York God speed, Mr Bruce offered them a. warm welcome in Australia, particularly in- view of the fact that they would be opening the Commonwealth Parliament at Canberra. Among the messages of goodwill read at the- gathering was one from Mr J. G. Coates. NO S. AFRICAN SECESS .GN. CAPE TOWN, December 2. Mr Roos, Minister of Justice, addressing his constituents, said: “We are absolutely satisfied with the result of the Imperial Conference, and will now be able to work for the economic development of South Africa. On behalf of the National Party, I. can say that there will be no alteration of the position as now laid down There will be no question of secession of South Africa, no question of Republicanism and no coirnitutionai question of any kind like those, raised in the past. We freely accept what was given, freely. The relations now existing between South Africa and the British Empire are permanent relations. The new development, however, does not alter the Flag question, but we must await the return of Mi Ilertzog before it is decided what to do. We would not like to see bitterness caused over a matter of comparatively small importance. It is not a, nation.il, but a party question.” Mr’ Roos’ declaration is considered important, as he was kul’.erto regarded as a leader of the secessionist wing of the Nationalist Party.