Nelson Evening Mail FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1934 A SIGNIFICANT UTTERANCE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXVI, 28 September 1934, Page 4

Nelson Evening Mail FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 1934 A SIGNIFICANT UTTERANCE

THE King’s speech,' delivered at'the launching of the Ounard-Whit© Star liner Queen Mary, is one of the most significant utterances delivered by His Majesty. It is significant, not only because it displays an unique sympathy with the shipbuilding folk of Glasgow, whose labours had ' been detrimentally affected by the recent economic depression, but also because it is a speech the sentiments of which are those of one who is not only a monarch but also a practical seaman, who, as a sailor of the Royal Navy, learned to know the ocean in all her moods. It is to be noted that the British Sovereign; declared that lie was present as a sailor, and it was as a sailor that with the. aid of a few, wellchosen words he placed himself in close accord, not only with those who actually listened to him, but with millions of his subjects throughout the world. But surely the most significant part of King George’s speech 1 ivas that which was evidently intended to strengthen the friendly relations of the two nations which inhabit the two countries between which the new Cunarder will ply. “May her life spread friendships,” said the King. . .. “This ship was built to carry the people of two lands in great numbers to and fro so that they may learn to understand each other. Both are faced with similar problems, and prosper and suffer together. May she” —tile new leviathan which was about to be launched—“bear many thousands of each race to visit the other and to return as friends. ■ . May her life among great waters spread friendship among the nations.”-.

These are the words of one who earnestly desires to promote the friendliest relations between the British and American nations. They are the expression of one who realises that though each of those nations may be sufficiently great to stand alone, four-square to the rest of the world, it will be far better for both of them if they decide to act in unison when confronted with those problems of world-politics which must necessarily arise, and furthermore that by trading and acting together for the economic rehabilitation of the civilised nations they will be promoting the welfare of the world. These aspects of Anglo-American friendship have frequently been noted and commented upon by enlightened thinkers on both sides of the Atlantic, though it must bo acknowledged that pro-American sentiments are much more frequently expressed in Britain than pro-British sentiments are expressed in America. Unfortunately certain American elements persist in maintaining “the ancient grudge," which, forgotten in Great 'Britain, remains, after a century-and-a-half, on the western side of the Atlantic. It is to exhibit that kindly feeling which alone can establish a perfect understanding that King George speaks to his own people in such a manner that his words may carry to America those sentiments of friendship and goodwill which may draw the two nations together completely in harmony. For if the entire field of politics and economics is scanned it will be found that nowhere do the interests of the two nations clash, that everything is gained by their continued cooperation, and that by acting conjointly for the purpose of solving world-pro-blems as they arise, they will not only be serving their own best interests, but confer immeasurable benefit upon the rest of the world. It was evidently to that end that King George spoke. His words will be greatly appreciated in Great Britain and in the Dominions, and it is to be hoped that they will reveal to the people of the United States that spirit of friendship which should actuate tho two races in all their relationships. For there is nothing more certain than that tlie future of the world lies largely with tho English-speaking nations, and that by working together harmoniously they have it in their power to prevent serious trouble arising between other

civilised nations, and promote their welfare. The King plainly sees in Anglo-American friendship and co-oper-ation the foundation of that world-wide harmony and prosperity so much needed by the world at large. It will be interesting to note what response the Americans will make to his kindly gesture. ?n any case the heartfelt words which the King spoke will convince all men of goodwill that the policy of the great Empire which he rules is ameliorative, and framed sincerely for the purpose of maintaining peace and restoring prosperity' to the world. It is true that Great Britain cannot accomplish that great work unaided, but there is reason for hoping that if the Americans will work harmoniously with the British to the desired end, not only will they promote their own welfare, but will justify in largo measure their claim to be the premier nation of the world.