OLD VIEW CHANGED

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26904, 16 October 1948, Page 9

OLD VIEW CHANGED

AMERICAN ISOLATIONISM IMPRACTICABILITY REALISED P.A. WELLINGTON, Oct. 15. There was a > time in the United States when a majority of the people believed th'ey could live to themselves alone and that it was to their advantage to do so, said the United States Minister, Mr R. M. Scotten, in an address to the English-speaking Union in Wellington. The ditticulties now being faced, he declared, had proved that isolation was not possible. It was doubtful whether any people could hope to live apart or could afford to select a modified isolation with any likelihood of political security and economic growth. The Minister, who was speaking on Anglo-American co-operation, said the problem vitally affected every citizen of the world both inside and outside the main national groups. Mr Scotten said that if the United States and the British Commonwealth were to seek exclusive military and economic security, the immediate effect would be to invite the creation of opposition blocs with all their disastrous implications. “On the other hand, if the United States and the British Commonwealth feel and accept their great responsibilities to the cause of human freedom, and are determined to overcome their own difficulties in order that they may work with all likeminded Powers in the development of democracy both within and outside their own borders, they may find a base for co-operation which will win the support of all people everywhere,” said the Minister.