UNITY IS STRENGTH

Greymouth Evening Star, 14 December 1938, Page 7

UNITY IS STRENGTH

BRITISH EMPIRE’S NEED

ADVICE TO DOMINIONS

[BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.]

RUGBY, December 13.

Mr. MacDonald, speaking at the Constitutional Club, described’ the visit to be made to Canada by Their Majesties as an unprecedented journey, adding that, for the first time, the reigning King and Queen were, to set foot on the soil of one of the great < overseas Dominions, over which they, reigned. He believed that the British Empire, to-day, was the greatest practical expression of certain permanent political principles, which ought to inspire the devotion and to command the services of even the youngest and most idealistic. The main purpose of the British Empire was the gradual spreading of liberty among His Majesty’s subjects, in whatever part of the earth they lived. The most significant part of the Empire, to-day, was that part called the British Commonwealth of Nations. There were certain disintegrating forces at work within, the. Empire, today. There was, for instance, the force of Nationalism, and there wgs no doubt that some of the Dominions had been bitten rather badly by Nationalism. They were anxious to demonstrate that they had attained their majority, and’ that tliey had arrived at man’s estate. It was absolutely right and proper that they should feel like that, but, beyond a certain point, , Nationalism could be a disintegrating force. If one Dominion ever made the decision to break the link which tied them constitutionally within the Empire, that might be a temptation to others to follow suit.

There were many counter-forces, however, which were making for the continued association of this country and the Dominions. “I have watched the Dominions and this country come through crisis after crisis together, 1. Everyone of those was an instance of the power of this country and the Dominions to stick together. I have been amazed at the capacity, and indeed, at the instinct of the Dominions, and this country, to get together in times of crisis, and to work together.” ’ 7 , Referring to material factors that worked towards continued association, Mr. MacDonald said that the Dominions had got to recognise, for some long time to come, their main strength lay in their association with . Britain, and their security depended mainly on the power of the British. Navy to defend their shores against aggression.

IMPORTANCE OF SINGAPORE. j

(Recd. December 14,1.30 p.m.) LONDON, December 13.

Sir T. Inskip, in a speech to the Empire League, declared -that Empire unity depended upon the maintenance of sea power. He declared that the Singapore base would make a tremendous improvement in Imperial defence. It was essential, for the defence of Australia and New Zealand, to hold the gate to the Indian Ocean. With the addition of minor anti-air-craft equipment, the base would be complete, after which it would profoundly affect the safety and unity of the Empire. He added that the defences at Home, and throughout -the Empire would be incomplete, so long as it was necessary for Britain to refrain from prompt action, or for the Prime Minister to be hampered by considerations of Britain’s weakness.