SCHEME FOR EUROPE

Manawatu Standard, Volume L, Issue 146, 20 May 1930, Page 7

SCHEME FOR EUROPE

BRITAIN’S POSITION. CENTRE OF EMPIRE. TASK FOR STATESMEN. (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) (Times Cables.) Received May 20, 9.35 a.m. LONDON, May 19. The Times in a leader, says: “Britain may i'eel unable to enter actually M. Briand’s suggested United States of Europe, because the overseas Dominions are excluded from it; also because she is tile centre of the worldwide Empire whoso economic development and political stability must bo the first consideration of her statesmen. “Moreover, at a time when the loosening of the legal bonds between the self-governing portions of the Empire is completed, the statesmen’s first task must be to secure the constant collaboration necessary for the Empire’s continuance of prosperity. “While Empire opinion, as shown at the Naval Conference in London, opposes European entanglements, nevertheless, Britain undoubtedly would support an endeavour to lower the political and economic barriers separating the European nations.” M. Briand’s memorandum is a lengthy document and the project with which it deals will be subjected to close examination by the British Government, which, with the other Governments consulted, have been asked to submit their comments and suggestions to M. Briand by July 15. It is intended that a report on the ■whole matter shall be submitted to a European conference, to be held at Geneva at the time of the next meeting of the League of Nations Assembly.