Untitled

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18880, 1 December 1924, Page 8

SHOWING THE FLAG.

" I do not think we shall ever see the flag under which Nelson fought flying over a floating Wembley. Nor do I think it would materially help British trade if we did. National dignity is a great asset oi" national credit, and national credit is oven more important to business than the showing of samples," says Sir Herbert Russell, in discussing the value of "naval propaganda," in the Naval and Military Record. He remarks that one of the best object lessons of the value of naval propaganda lies ill our China trade. It is true that trade was created by the enterprise of British merchants. But it is equally true that the process of creation was largely rendered possible by the influence of the British Navy. The Chinese realised that a nation which could send so many fine fighting ships from the other end of the earth must be a great nation, and that a great nation can only remain so by being an honourable nation, and therefore obviously a nation to trade with. Popular opinion is the great arbiter in a nation's affairs, and popular opinion is generally moulded on current impression. Any great spectacular appeal is pretty sure of touching jt note of response —doubly so when that appeal is invested with the dignity of State significance. The Special Service Squadron has left a trail of impression which is eminently tonic to British prestige. Down to four years ago we maintained a South America Squadron. In those days the South American ports saw the White Ensign. Now they never see it. Yet they are ready enough to welcome it, to hail it as an emblem of friendliness. What better peace purpose can the Navy possibly serve than to foster such sentiment? The British Navy has always shown the flag. But down to within quite recent years there has been a military significance in the policy, even if a passive one. It has been a gesture of "silent pressure" ; a reminder that, although ill grip of the velvet, glove was friendly enough, the iron hand lay under it. We appear to have abandoned the idea of any such suggestion nowadays. This refraining from anything in the nature of mailed fist" tactics is of itself good propaganda. Only with this reservation; it should not be carried too far. Above all things, Britain must never get the reputation of being "to proud" to uphold her definite and traditional foreign policy. When she does, then goodbye to the British Empire,