Nelson Evening Mail THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1936 BRITAIN’S DEFENCE POLICY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 8 October 1936, Page 6

Nelson Evening Mail THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 1936 BRITAIN’S DEFENCE POLICY

iT was not long since that Mr Neville Chamberlain (Chancellor of the Exchequer) announced on behalf of the British Government a vast plan of defence, involving the expenditure of a very great sum of money on navy, the air force, and the army. To-day the British Labour party has associated itself with that policy by adopting (at a Labour Conference, held at Edinburgh) a resolution approving adequate measures for national defence. The principal speaker was Mr H. Dalton, who, after a ruthless attack upon the heads of the British Government, said: “The time has come when Britain must tell the Fascist States ‘There is a limit. So far and no farther.’ But she must also say, 'Come, join us and state your grievances.’ ” That is as much as to say that Britain, with a sword in one hand, and an olive branch in the other, should approach the two Dictators of Europe, and ask them which do they desire—peace or war? It is difficult to know to what extent an irresponsible politician (who is not in office ' is in earnest when he speaks in that manner, for he may be talking to the gallery with a view to catching votes. Then, on the other hand, he may be enunciating principles to which he would adhere if he were in power. What really matters is that

Mr Dalton has committed the British Labour party to the support of an! adequate plan of defence, and simul- i taneously to a policy which cannot but J be antagonistic to the Dictatorships | which have been established in Ger-1 many and in Italy. It is to be noted that Mr Dalton’s resolution contained j a passage which “reaffirms the policy of the (British) Labour Party to main- ; tain such defence forces as are consis- ; tent with the country’s responsibilities , as a member of the League,” but he went on to say that “Britain’s internal security has gone by the creation of great forces within striking distance.” So it will be seen that the British Government’s defence policy has become the policy of the nation, and that before very long British interests will be amply protected in the air, at sea, and on land. That does not mean that the Old Country has in any way altered her peaceful policy, but that in a world where there are so many warlike elements she proposes to put her defences in order, not only that she may be able to guard herself and the Empire, but that she may, if necessary, fulfil her obligations as a member of the League of Nations. It is to be noted that Mr Dalton’s resolution was adopted by a majority of more than three to one, which shows that in the matter of national defence the British Labour Party is quite sound, and that the British Government’s defence policy is assured of success.