CHURCHILL SPEAKS ON BRITAIN’S ROLE IN EMPIRE AFFAIRS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27213, 17 October 1949, Page 5

CHURCHILL SPEAKS ON BRITAIN’S ROLE IN EMPIRE AFFAIRS

NZPA—Reuter—Copyright

Rec. 9 p.m. LONDON, Oct. 15. Mr Churchill last night spoke of Britain’s role in Empire affairs, in Europe, and in "our fraternal association with the United States.” He was addressing a mass meeting in London at the close of the Conservative Party’s annual conference. After attacking the Government’s financial policy, Mr Churchill turned from the “ hard and darkening scenes at home ” and spoke of the Empire. “ I hope all Conservatives will call it the British Empire and Commonwealth of Nations and let others im* itate us as they learn. There is our first thought and dream and aim. Then there is our fraternal association with the United States in what is called the English-speaking world. Thirdly, there is this grand desigh of a free and united Europe in which we are resolved to,play our part. As I see it, there are these three circles, in each of which we have a vital share, and these may be linked together if we prove ourselves worthy of it.” Earlier, Mr Churchill atttacked the Government’s “riot of spending” and the “rake’s progress of unbridled expenditure.” “ Great efforts have been .made by the British people, but at the end all we have come to is devaluation. It is not only our money that has been devalued. Our prestige and reputation abroad have been devalued,” he said.

Referring ' to the Government’s recent election announcement, Mr Churchill said that on party grounds alone the Conservatives could afford to wait. However, in the public interest the Ministers should announce to the public at least the month in which they intend to appeal to the country. In the intervening period the Conservatives would “ support the Government in all measures which we consider necessary to restore our national finances and economy, however unpopular they may be.” Mr Anthony Eden, addressing the Conservative Clubs’ conference, said that the Labour Government’s decision not to hold an election this year was “ utterly deplorable ” in view of the extreme gravity of the economic situation. Mr Eden declared that the first need was. for a new Government with new vision. While Mr Eden was speaking to the clubs, the Conservative Party annual conference overwhelmingly carried a resolution welcoming the restatement of Conservative policy.