THE OTTAWA CONFERENCE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21161, 19 April 1932, Page 12

THE OTTAWA CONFERENCE.

Sir,—At the Ottawa Conference an opportunity is presented of largely solving the financial difficulties of the British Commonwealth of Nations and of permanently cementing the union of the nations comprising it. The Dominion representatives at the Ottawa Conference should urge that British capital be used exclusively for the development of the British Commonwealth. If this idea be adopted our successful future is assured. Parenthetically it may be observed that few people realise that about six hundred millions of British sterling is invested in the Argentine alone. To return to our subject proper, it may be stated with confidence that New Zealand, propeily developed, could support in comfort ten millions of people; Australia, fifty millions; and Canada, say, another forty millions. The development envisaged requires capital to make it possible. We British pcoplo hold one-quarter of the habitable surface of the globe. If we are to continue to hold it we must effectually occupy it. It is only by developing it that wo can effectually occupy it. The day has arrived when practical steps must be taken to safeguard the glorious heritage our forefathers bequeathed to us. Not since the time of the ancient Roman Empire has there ex.sted a nation which has so consistently upheld ths» principals of justice and freedom as the British Commonwealth. In large measure the Roman Empire fell because of economic confusion. Wo to-day face an almost parallel condition of circumstances. It will be foupd in pract.ee that "British Capital for the Empiro" will bring more prosperity to us than this generation has denned possible. J. I'. Hastings.