Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 7, 1939. EMPIRE UNITY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 September 1939, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE. THURSDAY. SEPTEMBER 7, 1939. EMPIRE UNITY.

"‘J'HERE is no lack of evidence to demonstrate that the emergency brought about by the outbreak of war has exercised a pronounced effect upon the British Empire, strengthening alreadyclose relations, and bringing about a condition of complete unity in the battle against aggression. Domestic differences have taken second place to national welfare, and issues which a short time ago appeared serious have quickly been dropped, with the result that the Empire now presents a united front io the common enemy. Tn Britain itself, :i war Cabinet of nine members has been formed, outstanding among the recruits being Mr. Winston Churchill, who has been appointed First Lord of the Admiralty, and Air. Anthony Eden, who has become Dominions Secretary, with access to the Cabinet. Thus, two previously-out-spoken critics of Government policy will now have an opportunity of putting their ideas into

effect, and" opinion generally is that- the change will be for the better. In fact, during the past few months there has been a growing demand for the inclusion of Mr. Churchill in the Cabinet, the outbreak of war bringing the matter to a decision. It was considered in political quarters that his dynamic personality might exercise an influence which would rival that of Mr. Chamberlain, but, on the other hand, it was pointed out. that the right tactics could control his impetuosity, make use of his great qualities, and neutralise his defects. Few statesmen in British history have had such a career of successes and setbacks as Mr. Churchill, and his latest accession to high office is no great surprise. If there is any man entitled to say “I told you so” to the Government, it is he, for during the past few years no opportunity has been neglected in giving warnings of the “things to come,” —warnings which have so regrettably been justified. The return of Mr. Eden to the Cabinet has also been advocated in many quarters, and his presence should be a source of strength, the attitude he previously adopted having been fully justified. 'ffle time for a policy of “appeasement” has passed, and strong action is needed, the reconstruction of the British Cabinet indicating that this requirement is realised. Incidentally the infusion of fresh blood will. tend, to take some of the burden from the shoulders of Mr. Chamberlain, who for over two years has borne the burdens and anxieties of the Prime Ministership. In spite of the fact that he is now seventy years of age, Mr. Chamberlain is still exceedingly vigorous, but the two years of tremendous rearmament involving unparalleled expenditure, with' frequently-recur-ring crises, must have taken their toll. The Prime Minister has been criticised for his past concessions to dictatorships, but he is not to

blame for the broken promises of Herr Hitler. In any case, Mr. Chamberlain combined his zeal for peace with preparation for war, and zero hour in Europe found Britain prepared. So far as the various portions of the Empire are < concerned, there was never any doubt regarding the attitude which would be adopted by Australia and New Zealand, with their practically 100 per cent. British populations. South Africa is in a different category in the latter respect, but the situation there has been satisfactorily resolved, and the defeat of the Prime Minister (General Hertzog) in the House of Representatives has paved the way for cooperation with Britain, and the severance of relations with Germany. The decision of Canada awaits the meeting of Parliament, but there is no reason to doubt that co-operation will be forthcoming, particularly when the popular demonstrations of loyalty on the occasion of the recent Royal visit are remembered. Traditional gestures of loyalty to the King-Emperor have been made by numerous Indian Princes, whose great resources are to be available. One of the most-surprising developments has occurred in Palestine, where Jews and Arabs, forgetting their racial antipathy, have expressed their willingness io stand by Britain in her efforts against Nazi aggression. United in the hour of emergency, the British Empire stands with the Mother Country, ready and willing to make aSiy sacrifices which may be demanded in the cause of an ultimate stable peace for Europe and the world at large.