PARTNERSHIP OF DEMOCRACIES

Southland Times, Issue 23380, 11 December 1937, Page 7

PARTNERSHIP OF DEMOCRACIES

UNITY OF BRITISH EMPIRE

MR CHAMBERLAIN WARNS

THE WORLD

(United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) (Received December 10, 7.45 p.m.) LONDON, December 10.

Speaking at the Empire Unity campaign demonstration the Prime Minister (Mr Neville Chamberlain) warned the world of the strength of the British Empire. “We realize that by our partnership with the great democracies of the .Dominions we were raised from the status of a fourth-rate power to be the heart of an Empire which stands in the front rank of all the powers of the world.” He added that further efforts could be made to bind the Empire more closely, namely, by means of defence, in the attitude to and relations with foreign Powers and in building up scanty populations with fresh blood. Referring to the fact that the increase in the Dominions’ populations had not reached expectations Mr Chamberlain added: “Although perhaps nothing can strengthen the Empire as much as an increase in its white population, surely nobody could say the Dominions are unreasonable in discouraging immigration at a time when they are unable to find employment for their own workers.” Discussing the Dominions’ development of secondary industries Mr Chamberlain said it was not a situation which should be regarded with anxiety or regret. The Dominions were increasing their economic strength and their increased prosperity would bring new needs for the satisfaction of which they would look to Britain.