LABOUR INTERNATIONALISM.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19759, 9 April 1926, Page 8

LABOUR INTERNATIONALISM.

Thk resolutions of the Independent Labour Party in England, taken in conjunction with the rather premature “May Day” manifesto of international trade unionists, present an interesting, if not strikingly, novel picture. A familiar note of visionary fantasy characterises both pronouncements. A sober appreciation of existing facts is not conspicuously displayed, and a specious show of vague cosmopolitanism is not allied with recognition of the sound principle that “he is the true cosmopolite who loves his native country best.” Thu plea for furtherance of international comity is worthy of the sincerest respect, but the cause of peace is not helped by exaggerative and fallacious statements. There is no substantial warrant, as far as can be seen hero, for the assertion that “European statesmen still refuse to discard the war-time mentality and are still fomenting international hatreds which menace the peace of the world and hinder the economic security of the workers.” The same sort of thing was said in the presidential address at the opening of the New Zealand Labour Party’s annual conference at Easter. There is, indeed, a remarkable likeness about all the references on the part of Labour politicians to international politics. Assuredly the history of the last six months lends no countenance to the hasty view that the peace of the world is being endangered through the practice by European statesmen of any old and discredited diplomacy. Though there have been some disappointments, the origin of these cannot be traced to the militant “mentality” of European statesmen. The failure at Geneva, which may be rectified at an early date, was mainly due to influences and obstinacies outside Europe. The threat of general resistance on the part of the industrial classes m the event of war breaking out once more, whatever the circumstances might be, is utterly unreasonable. Moreover, it boars the stamp of futility. The workers of the British Empire at any rate, if occasion should arise, would again he ready to fight in defence of their homes and their freedom. It is devoutly to be hoped that such a necessity will not occur, and there seems to be no reason why it should, but only a blind or craven spirit would disreaard the possibility,

however remote it may be. Instinctive patriotism is, and is likely,to remain, a force superior to factious and doctrinaire empiricism. The resolutions and the manifesto are not marked by an inspiring quality calculated to appeal to thoughtful'minds. They comprise a tale of little meaning; though the words are strong.