Nelson Evening Mail TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1937 THE BRITISH PREMIER’S SPEECH

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXI, 16 November 1937, Page 4

Nelson Evening Mail TUESDAY, NOVEMBER 16, 1937 THE BRITISH PREMIER’S SPEECH

MR CHAMBERLAIN'S enunciation of the British Government’s foreign policy should create a feeling of satisfaction, not only in Great Britain, but throughout the Dominions. Summarised, that policy may be said to be (a) the protection of British interests, (b) the maintenance of peace by settling international differences by consultation and agreement, and (c) the promotion of friendly relations with nations willing “to respect Britain’s friendly feelings, and to keep those rules of international conduct without which there can be no stability and security in the world.’’ It is to be noted that the British Premier did not single out any nation or set of nations as being responsible for the prevailing feeling of unrest in Europe, but every intelligent individual knows which they are and the character of their leaders. There is no doubt about the peaceful nature of Britain’s policies. Mr Chamberlain said, “It is time another effort was made to see if it is possible to remove those fears and suspicions" (which are disturbing the European nations) “by a closer examination of their origin and substance. Such an effort is not a sign of weakness. Britain is strong. She is getting stronger every day.’’ It is good that such is the case: a fully armed Britain will be the better able to maintain peace in Europe. No secret has been made of the fact that Britain is spending hundreds of millions sterling on armaments and preparations for defence. Ihe reason for this expenditure is found in Europe’s state of unrest, which is caused by distrust of the Soviet Government’s policies (based as they are On the equivocal political doctrines of Karl Marx and Lenin), and fear lest the Dictators of Germany and Italy should use force as an instrument for the promotion of their autocratic aspirations. No one knows what those aspirations are, except the Dictators themselves and their immediate followers, but, without saying so bluntly, the British Premier evidently desired to let those great men know that, with all her love of peace, Britain would protect her interests if they were endangered. "Britain," he said, “has behind her vast and almost illimitable resources." Evidently Mr Chamberlain desires that those resources shall be used for the maintenance of peace, but it is obvious that if the forces of unrest in Europe were to promote war, they would find themselves opposed by Great Britain. It has been said that because that fact was not made clear by the British Government of 1914, the Great War broke out. There are two opinions about that. There will, however, be but one opinion of the conciliatory, yet strong, attitude which the British Premier has adopted towards foreign nations. It will he interesting to note the reaction of the Dictators: they have been given a chance to consolidate their position by endorsing Mr Chamberlain’s desire for international peace and goodwill. Their reaction will depend upon the attitude of their powerful followings. If the Nazis and the Fascists wish to promote the maintenance of peace in Europe, now is the time for them to prompt their spectacular leaders (the Dictators) to endorse the British Premier's sentiments. If that is not done, it will be clear that the Dictators and their followers are not interested in promoting international peace and goodwill. Not that such a disclosure would perturb Britain, whose, protective precautions arc well in hand, and are expected to he completed in schedule time. Nothing could be clearer than Mr Chamberlain s peaceful proclivities. It is also clear that the British Government is determined that every measure shall be adopted to insure the nation’s protection.