Nelson Evening Mail THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1936 BRITAIN'S FOREIGN POLICY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 18 June 1936, Page 6

Nelson Evening Mail THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1936 BRITAIN'S FOREIGN POLICY

THE news, that the British Government, after consultation with the Dominions’ representatives in London, contemplates the -abandonment ol sanctions against Italy, will be welcomed throughout the Empire. The fact is that the British Goveimment is nothing if not practical. So far as foreign politics are concerned its primary object is to promote a good understanding among the civilised nations and, while maintaining the Empire’s right’s and interests, engender peace. While it endorsed the League's condemnation of Italy’s African policy, which was in direct contravention of the Covenant, it does not propose to pursue the policy of sanctions against Italy, not only because they are ineffectual, but because they may possibly create war in Europe. In addition there is the reluctance of the Dominions to be drawn into Europe’s troubles and differences by the League’s unsuccessful interference with Italy’s African adventure. So it would seem that there is a conjoint movement by the Dominions and Britain to abandon the League’s policy in order, in due course, to attend more closely to the problems and interests of the Empire. If this is a correct reading of current events, much has been gained, and nothing has been lost, by the British Commonwealth’s abandonment of the sanctions’ policy. To have refused stubbornly to recognise Italy’s position in Africa, must eventually have meant conflict between Britain and Italy, and, it may be asked, in that case what support would Britain have received from the League? Very little or none from France, who is anxious to conserve Italy’s friendship, in case

of Germany’s militarism developing again into war. It was not so very long ago that the British Premier said that Britain’s policy was contained in the Covenant of the League. It now appears that that policy has been or is being revised. It was enunciated because of the supposed strength of the League. Rather than rely further upon the League, the British Government seems to be turning towards the British Empire (including the British Commonwealth of Nations) as the best conserver of peace. Before the Empire can fully play its part, it must double, if not treble, the white population of the Dominions. With a white population of ninety, or a hundred, millions the Empire would not only be safe against aggression, but would immeasurably increase its influence in the councils of the world, and immensely strengthen its power to promote peace.