Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15th., 1938. TWO SPEECHES.

Greymouth Evening Star, 15 December 1938, Page 8

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY, DECEMBER 15th., 1938. TWO SPEECHES.

familiar quotation declares Ilfat our worst troubles never happen. Something- similar might be said of the worst reports of international happenings, cabled to this country. Collect in haste, correct at leisure, appears to be the standard of some news-gatherers, and, often, the duty of correction of ill-founded “news,” is overlooked. Allowance has to be made for the haste in which it is necessary to dispatch information of happenings in various centres, but there seems to be room for a greater sense of responsibility, especially in these critical days, in thosd whose duty it is to make a selection of the messages sent world-wide. Public opinion is misformed, prejudices and passions are aroused, and misunderstandings created when unreliable reports are scattered, and strength is given to those 'demanding Press censorship. Newspapers receiving doubtful cabled-messages .must not be blamed for printing those, as whatever may be editorial suspicions, the unlikely may have happened. Propaganda is an

increasin’!,' factor in news from official sources, at home and from

abroad.

Chief public interest, to-day, will be centred on the reports of Mr. Chamberlain’s speech at the Foreign Press dinner in London. The British Prime Minister was! wise ro seize the opportunity such a gathering gave to tell the world just where Britain stands. Exaggerated claims are sometimes made about the power of the Press, but there is no question that newspapers have influence for good or ill, and most public men recognise this. To report Mr. Chamberlain’s speech, comprehensive preparations were made by foreign editors, a recognition of his efforts at world-betterment. He said little that was new, but he emphasised his own desire for peace, and Britain’s readiness to defend her rights. He shewed little of the customary national insularity where foreign methods are concerned, and is prepared to negotiate on foreign affairs with any Government, no matter how distasteful its domestic policy may bo to British people. He should not be censured for this readiness to see the other fellow’s viewpoint. Without it, no progress can be made in establishing world peace, his main aim. On the whole, his speech should help to clear the air, and was worth making.

, Another Ministerial address was from Mr. MacDonald, on the subject of Empire unity. He spoke with candour regarding the growth of nationalism in some parts of Overseas. Presumably, his chief reference was to ' South Africa. The Northcliffe organ, the “Daily Mail,” which always affects to take the Overseas under its protection, rebuked him for his plain speaking, but there was nothing objectionable in his speech, if the cabled summary was fair. The importance to each and all in the Empire, of unity against foreign threats, and the fact that Overseas safety and independence mainly rests on the strength of the Navy, cannot be intelligently questioned. The Dominions are old and strong enough, to-day, to be addressed as equals, and not as those who must be unduly flattered and encouraged. Whitehall does not attempt to dictate to Wellington, Canberra, Ottawa or Pretoria, often consulting Overseas leaders and being guided by their views. That is why the Empire, to-day, is as united as ever. Any foreign Power which thinks otherwise, is making a big blunder.