Empire Strength, Unity Impresses British Minister

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23352, 7 September 1950, Page 7

Empire Strength, Unity Impresses British Minister

(10 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 6. Mr. Patrick Gordon-Walker. British Minister for Commonwealth Relations, said today that his two months’ worldl tour had convinced him that the Commonwealth was growing in stature and was even stronger than a generation ago. Mr. Gordon-Walker. who arrived in London by air from Rome, visited Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Singapore,. Bombay and Colombo.

Mr. Gordon-Waiker said that in Australia and New Zealand where he spent most of his time there was a general feeling that Britain should cooperate closely with Western Europe in view of the prevailing international situation —provided that co-operation did not hamper relations with the Commonwealth.

“Everywhere I went in both countries, I was struck by the very deep and profound loyalty to the Commonwealth. Both are countries with a tre* mendous future.” Asked if he felt the people in the countries he had visited had enthusiasm for the plan for aid for South-' East Asia and thought the proposed! financial commitments were adequate,! Mr. Gordon-Walker said: “I have' found considerable and keen interest; in the scheme. There is never enough money for any plan of course. But the main purpose of this plan is to provide technical aid. We could never solve the vast problem just by • pouring money in.”