PROBLEMS OF EMPIRE

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11302, 30 August 1922, Page 7

PROBLEMS OF EMPIRE

NEED FOR UNITY CO-OPERATION BETWEEN THE DOMINIONS. COMBATING DISINTEGRATION. Problems of Empire, including the the questions of adequate defence and the beating down of disintegrating factors, were discussed by Brigadier-Gen-eral Sir Edward Ohaytor in ail address at a luncheon of the Wellington Rotary Club yesterday. Sir Iv.lwrrd said he could not speak of the Government’s policy in regard to defence, but there were some misunderstandings that he hoped to be able to clear away. Worse' than the troubles that arose between nations, he said, were the great social and industrial disturbances which were liable to occur if law were not maintained. There was a growing spirit of unrest and an increasing tendency to overlook crimes and viftlence. If law were not maintained the world would go back. Opponents of the League of Nations saw no binding strength in the present agreement, but personally he thought the league could result in the abolition of disturbing influences, but the argument that armament was unnecessary was wrong. The dread of war and tlio knowledge that it would mean destruction and conscription would encourage support for international arbitration, but it did not appear as if nations would submit to such a principle. Territorial problems could not be settled by that means. _ Germany, for instance,' had a population of 130 per square mile, her neighbour, France, 105 per equare mile. It was hard to imagine that Franco would cede territory to Germany, or allow German immigration. The same applied in New Zealand, where a restricted immigration policy was advocated. We could not allow people of a lower standard of living than ourselves to enter - . We should stand up for our ideals and keep the country clean and bo ready to combat disintegrating influences, which if successful would cause ruin. A careful study should be made of all problems that arose.

CENTRAL DEFENCE COMMITTEE. Has opinion was that there should be a central Empire defence staff, and a committee representative of all branches of the defence service—naval, military, aerial, and tramisiport—as well as of the civilian population. The causes of friction should he carefully studied, and we should be prepared to put down trouble as soon as it arose. It had been said that New Zealand could be adequately protected by naval power alone, but he was of opinion that that was a fallacy, for she could not provide a sufficiently large naval force to guard her coasts and her shipping. She must depend upon the Empire. Even then the Empire oould not hold the supremacy of all the seas at the same time. Whatever the strength of the land and air forces the navy must he relatively stronger, and to secure the best results tho three branches of the service must he co-ordinated and be ready to work together. A maximum or preparedness and efficiency would thus be effected at a minimum of expense. If there was to be mutual support each Dominion must take its fair share of responsibility in supportbig., the other Dominions. Upon this question of co-operation depended the whole safety of the Empire. The main factor for the preservation of peace and good government lay in the maintenance of Empire. The Dominions oould not be independent member® of the Empire and yet members of a partnership. It was argued that nationality was a. ourso and that we should all strive ,to become citizens of the world, owing allegiance to nt> particular country. He did not think the nations would bo willing to refer their disputes to the League of Nations for settlement as the league had no power behind it. TO CHECK A MENACE. Sir Edward stressed the necessity of carefully watching and checking disintegrating factors. He was quite sure that, disintegration was being rim for all it was worth by people who regarded the Empire as a stumbling-block in their path. Unless the problem was studied and checked, the tendency would become worse and a menace. If the British Empire and America could be drawn closer together the peace of the world would be ensure!, and a closer understanding would be brought about with other countries. A solution of these problems, he said in conclusion, was badly needed. The president (Mr A. F. Roberts), in thanking the general for his interesting address, said that the League of Nations would not be practicable unless there was a large force to enforce law and order. Some of the larger partners in the Empire, unfortunately, were not of the same opinion as New Zealand in the matter of cooperation with Britain. So sure as disintegration set in rpin would follow. Once the Empire started to crumple a break must ensue.