RECONSTRUCTION POLICY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LV, Issue 17011, 19 November 1918, Page 5

RECONSTRUCTION POLICY.

POSITION OF COALITION. LLOYD GEORGE'S APPEAL. IMPERIAL DEVELOPMENT. A. end N.Z. LONDON, Nov. 17. Mr; Lloyd George's letter to Mr. Bonar Law outlining the basis of an appeal to the country for continuation of the Coalition Government, which Mr. Bonar. Law read at a private meeting of Unionists on Tuesdayi has been published. The letter states: "If a goneral election be held it ought to be a coalition election. lam asking the country to return supporters of the present Government to negotiate peace, and also to deal with reconstruction problems, which are hardly less pressing than war problems, and require hardly' less drastic action. Thesd cannot be dealt with on party lines without disaster. Moreover, national unity, which made victory possible, should be maintained until the foundations of national and international reconstruction we securely laid. My fundamental object is to promote the unity and development of the nations composing the British Empire, preserving their position, influence, and authority in the world's affairs, which they have gained by their sacrifices and efforts in the cause of human liberty and progress. " I have already accepted the policy of Imperial preference defined in the Imperial Conference resolutions. It will be given on existing duties, and also on any duties subsequently imposed. The policy does not include a tax on food, but does not exclude preference on articles like tea and coffee, on which duties are already imposed. Britain's agricultural position must be improved in many directions, particularly transport,' and security' must be given against unfair industrial competition, especially the dumping of goods below cost of production. " I do not support a settlement of Home Rule imposing coercion on Ulster. I claim the right to bring in Home Rule excluding the six northern counties, but such a settlement must be. postponed, as it could not succeed in the present condition of Ireland.

■'•,:" I do not think there in any desire anywhere for the repeal of th'j Welsh Disestablishment Act, but the war has created financial difficulties. I cannot offer any definite solution now, but believe a financial notation it not imposaible."