Empire Vital To Peace

Northern Advocate, 8 November 1946, Page 5

Empire Vital To Peace

LONDON. November 7,

The example and influence of the British Commonwealth were so vital to the cause of world peace that it would be folly to neglect measures necessary to maintain the Commonwealth’s security until UNO had been proved capable of preventing wars, said Admiral Lord Cunningham in a speech today. The system of Imperial strategy must be sufficiently elastic to provide for shifting the centre of control from the British Isles to one of the Dominions in case of need. But the first concern must be to ensure the security of the British Isles I by a high degree of readiness for de-1 fence and maintaining the power of | instant retaliation.

A warning by Field Marshal Lord Alanbrooke, former Chief of the General Statf, that UNO cannot be regarded as a fully-established bulwark against future wars is emphasised by The Times. The Times also recalls the remarks by the Australian Prime Minister (Mr Chifley) on the weight of the defence burden carried by the United Kingdom and Australia’s willingness to alleviate it. NOTHING RIGID WANTED

An organisation which would make rigid decisions is not wanted, the Times believes,

What is required is an organisation which would provide better and more scientific means of consultation on defence questions between the countries of the British Commonwealth. The Manchester Guardian says: “Never again must the Commonwealth be caught with too many valuable and vulnerable eggs in this very small and seriously exposed basket.” It points out that Lord Alanbrooke’s suggestions raise political issues which will require much thought before they can be accepted. Nevertheless, it is encouraging to learn that the Australian and New Zealand Governments are ready to assume a greater share of responsibility for Commonwealth defence in the Pacific.