BRITISH EMPIRE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIII, Issue 20929, 7 January 1938, Page 5

BRITISH EMPIRE

DEVELOPMENT URGED LONDON, December 28. Why not startle the world by announcing that Britain has a five-year plant to spend £500,0000,000 in developing the Empire? The question was raised at a Royal Empire Society discussion. It would give a shock equally as great as, but more reassuring than, the decision to spend £1,500,000,000 on re-armament by proving that Britain is determined to develop the Empire in addition to holding it. It is immaterial to say Britain could not afford it. Britain had to re-arm whether she could afford it or not. Why should not Britain and the Dominions co-operate in the biggest scheme of development in co-operation with re-armament?

It is also pointed out that there is a considerable class of well-educated youths for whom Britain offers little chance to-day and who might prove a very valuable addition to the population of the Empire, especially since they are often able to command some capital. The outlet offered by the Indian Civil Service is decreasing with its growing Indianisation. and this will apply increasingly to other overseas possessions.

The question whether the Commonwealth should not promote migration from Northern Europe, in view of the increasing influx by Southern Europeans, is raised by the action of Chile, which is seeking migrants from Scandinavia. the Netherlands and Austria and offering special facilities for settlement in South Chile, where there is already a considerable German colony. The movement has met with a ready response in Norway, while there is a steady flow of migrants from the Netherlands to South Africa. The Dutch are also prepared to settle elsewhere.