The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, APRIL 20th, 1925.

Hokitika Guardian, 20 April 1925, Page 2

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. MONDAY, APRIL 20th, 1925.

EMPIRE LEAGUE OF NATIONS. A butter conception in brief of the British Empire could hardly perhaps be given than that of the South African Commissioner for Commerce on the Continent, Mr C. J. Pienaard, as published in the Sunday ‘‘Times” of February 22. It was, he said, a tiling unique in the history of the world. He regarded it as a British Imperial League of Nations, each enjoying all freedom of action, not only in its own internal economic affairs, but also in its relations with other countries. It was not an experiment in international co-operation. It has passed the experimental stage, and was a practical fact-. As many so often say here, it has grown up in a fit of absence of mind. Yet, free and elastic as are the bonds which hold us together, they are exceedingly strong, and an attempt to work out a new and elaborate constitutional system need n be hastened on, but rather be allowed to continue growing and shaping itself , tts it were, by natural process, since, whenever put to the proof, it has never failed. Faith in the reality and world

importance of this League has been gaining stienglh since the war, and so has the feeling that Empire safety lies in unity, or, is the Africander referred to puts it, ‘‘We must stand together or otherwise each may hang separately.” A vital matter is that, pending any development of a more formal constitution—there should he no mistaking the signs of the times, no shirking of individual responsibility, or of a fair share in the work or Empire defence and preparation lor any emergencies. Jt is with regard to uniform foreign policy that reform in orir Im] erial machinery is being < hietly (ailed for. Periodical conferences are quite insufficient, and it is out of the question that we should depend on intercourse by (able. Closer and more continuous personal contact is indispensable. No heroic solution of the difficulty i.s yet in view. For the present it would seem that the Foreign Secretary should he placed in a position L confer in person with the High Commissioners i r Representatives of the Dominions, and discuss matters of toreign policy, far more frequently - even daily when circumstances require it. Nothing would, r f course, lie decided without authority of the Dominion Premiers with whom the representatives would he in constant communication. There seems to lie a feeling in some quarters that undue attention is given to 'Weston European a Fairs to the exclusion of Empire matters proper. Perhaps it is not fully realised of what vital importance to the whole Empire Commonwealth are Anglo-French relations. Take one consideration only. Franco is deeply interested in Poland and Rumania. As stated by a. writer in the ‘■Revue lies deux Minnies" (Fell, loth), a German aggression into Silesia or the corridor of lkintzie, would he equivalent to an attack on Belgium and Frame. England, while beginning to realise that Poland, us recreated, is an iiulis|K‘iisable element in the new Europe, does net ] crimps recognise how much her interests are hound up in Polish integrity. It i.s not expected that Britain will enter into such a guarantee of security as Frame would desire, but danger to France and her Continental allies is just as much a danger to England. The price of salcty must he paid. l4?t us have a ‘‘tempered optimism” with regard to amended Protocols, to new Washington or other Conferences, to pourparlers on disarmament and the like, hut let us “keep our powder dry.” A long period must elapse before Germany will he a peaceful democracy and before dreams of international fraternity are realised. For the present, our League has to devote its prompt attention to our air power, which —now so glaringly inadequate—must lie made proportionate to our needs. A nation that owns a quarter of the habitable globe may be involved in trouble at many points. Unity in preparation and combined effort are imperative on the part of all members of the Commonwealth, 'flic new powers of belligerents, should war break out, will be ruthlessly wielded. The Germans (vide their new Manual) hold that the next, war will he short, under tile new conditions. Marshal Foch likewise considers that the next war will he decided by swift and crushing blows from the air. There is probably no lhilitary authority who does not concur. It would he folly to ignore tho fact that the weight of . evidence indicates that Germany—or her dominant d ment—will again he tho disturber of •European peace. Tho real fear is lest the qualities which have made the Km pire what it is, should suffer a fatal deterioration. There is no little danger lurking at home in otir midst (without reference to Communist and Bolshevist propaganda). It has been truly said the greatest jteril which threatens Britain is not so much from outside enemies, as from a weakening of tlie national vigour, the undermining of the will to work, when—in spite of discouragement from over-taxation and other olistacles—greater efforts are required to make up for lost time. H the disintegrating influences are still weak, they will, unless checked, gr*. stronger, and the Empire, like others before it will crumble. But we have a firm faith as our Afrikander frien nas, in the character and patriotism of our race, and in our own League of | Nations, which must be kept at its | full strength. There has been some loose talk about a weakening of Canadian partnership or sentiments; but loyalty, here and throughout the F.rnpire lias never been stronger. As time goes on, we may admit or invite other nations to join our League, or become, as it were, honorary members, while holding their own independence. There is but little ground for alarmist views. If we remain firm friends with our Allies (especially with France, whose interest East and West are so closely connected with our own), as we undoubtedly shall with the United States, the world should, in spite of a sinister outlook at some points, enjoy tranquility for a long time to come.