EMPIRE FIRST

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXIX, Issue 96, 28 August 1923, Page 5

EMPIRE FIRST

THE QUESTION OF UNITY. I

SUBJECT FOK DISCUSSION.

Press Association— Copyright. A-v tralian and N.Z. Cable Associative.,

(The Times.) (Received 10.50 a.m,)

London, August 27.

Lieutenant-Colonel Lionel Phillips, in a letter to the The Times upon Imperial unity, says: Unless steps are taken to enlighten the public here and overseas regarding the trend of events, it seems probable that the Empire will be dissolved into a number of small States, without the great bulk of the people being aware of what has transpired.

He draws attention to the rapid growth of the powers of the Dominions, and says that colonial statesmen put forward a claim virtually amounting to independence. Therein the Imperial authorities have tactically acquiesced. The change crept in insidiously, being almost unnoticed by the bulk of the people, like the spreak of an infectious malady. He suggests that Tha Times should open its columns for a thorough discussion of the problem in ‘all its bearings. He says that without the Dominions, the world-pos-ition of Britain would be greatly weakened, and without Britain the Dominions would he in grave peril. Moreover the decay in the Empire would likely mean the decay In European civilisation and the subjugation of the White races.

He pays a tribute to the Dominions for their war sacrifices and peace activities, as well as their .affection for the Mother Country, but asks Should the daughters of thd Empire become virtually mistresses In the parental household? He is convinced that an overwhelming majority of the inhabitants of the Empire would be horrified at the idea of dismemberment but the real danger lies in the fact s * that the idea of the Empire tumbling to pieces is never dreamt of; f He asks— Can an Empire survive whose component parts recognise no general system of control, even in international affairs, whose s cohesion rests solely on a common allegiance to the coflstitatutional monarch? He concludes by suggesting !n .all humility, that the Imperial. Cow-,* cil with an equal number of representatives from Britain and the Dominions should be permanently sitting, studying Imperial problems. It could keep the whole Empire informed. He says he was aware that the people of the Dominions would not have authority to bind their own Governments, hut as a last resort the British Government must act.