The Timaru Herald THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1933 SEVEN POINTS OF FOREIGN POLICY.

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21154, 29 September 1938, Page 8

The Timaru Herald THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 29, 1933 SEVEN POINTS OF FOREIGN POLICY.

British Labour’s challenge to the Fuhrer and his Nazi compatriots that if they have nothing but peace in their hearts they should become associated with the free and enlightened peoples of the Earth, who stand for peace with honour and justice, is the most pointed shaft that has yet been thrown at Germany’s self-styled peace makers. Similar sentiments were expressed by President Roosevelt in the appeal he addressed to the statesmen of Europe to settle their disputes by negotiations and preserve the peace of the world: “Whatever may be the differences in the controversies at issue and however difficult the question of pacific settlement may be,” said the President, “I am persuaded that there is no problem so difficult or so pressing that it cannot be justly solved by a resort to reason rather than a resort to force.” Every peace-loving citizen of the world will endorse the President’s sentiments. Nevertheless, the free peoples of the world who face again the challenging sword of rule by might, are asking themselves where the United States stands in this new hour of crisis. ‘ This has recently been revealed in the seven points of policy given by Mr Cordell Hull (Secretary of State) in a broadcast : “We (the United States), believe in, we support, and we recommend to ell nations: “Economic reconstruction as the foundation of national and international weil-being and stability. "Adherence to the basic principles of international law as the guiding and governing rules of conduct among nations. "Respect for and observance of treaties, including, in connection therewith, modification of provisions of treaties, when and as need therefor arises, by orderly processes carried out in a spirti of mutual helpfulness and accommodation. “Voluntary self-restraint, abstention from use of force in pursuit of policy and from interference in the internal affairs of other nations, and the settlement of differences by processes of peaceful negotiation and agreement. “To all nations that they be prepared to limit and progressively reduce their armaments. “Collaboration between and among representatives of the nations, and among their peoples—to the end that thereby understanding by each country of the problems of others and of problems that are common to all may be promoted and peaceful adjustment of controversies be made more readily possible. “International co-operation in such ways and by such methods as may be practicable for the advancement of this programme." Notwithstanding this virtual profession of faith in the reign of law in the world and the insistence on the recognition of the solemnity of treaty obligations, it cannot be said that the United States is prepared to give a declaration even of moral support of the democracies in this tragic hour, much less offer practical assistance for a weak country menaced by the Nazi tiger now loose in Europe. Mr Cordell Hull’s profession of faith is interesting, of course, if not pathetic, because every time President Roosevelt makes a pronouncement on international affairs or addresses an appeal for peace, an explanation follows at once to emphasise America’s isolationist policy. LABOUR’S DICTATORIAL TREND. Notwithstanding all that has been contended to the contrary, the trend of the Labour Party’s legislative and administrative acts definitely stamps the Government of the day as totalitarian in its objective. The defenders of the Government’s record, attempt to meet all criticism with the reply that those who disagree with the policy implemented by the first Labour Government, are conservative in their outlook. The most casual examination of the record of Labour in office provides a devastating answer to the supporters of the Government, who insist that there lias been no departure from democratic principles. The case of the guaranteed prices in relation to dairy produce can be mentioned. The Labour Party gave an undertaking in 1935 that the price each season would be determined in agreement with the producers. This has not been done; indeed, the Minister of Marketing has actually taken it upon himself to discard the unanimous recommendation of au advisory committee in the personnel of which he was influentially and capably represented. But that is not all the Minister has done. He has written into the laws of the land the following enactment: “The validity of any Order-in-Councll fixing the prices ot any dairy produce under Section 29 or Section 22 of this Act (these sections cover export and iocal sales) shall not be questioned on the ground that due consideration has not been given to any matter that is required to be taken into consideration or any other ground whatever.—Clause 23 of the Primary Products Marketing Act.” This means, as is so obvious, that the guarantee price once fixed by Order-in-Council, is by no means assured, because the dictatorial powers entrusted to the Minister permits him to do as lie chooses, regardless of any consideration whatever. Under the Industrial Efficiency Act, dictatorial powers are given the Minister. Here is one of the clauses of the Act: “No regulation made in accordance with this section shall be deemed to be invalid on the ground that it delegates to, or confers on, the Minister or on any other person, discretionary authority; or because it deals with any matter provided for by any other Act or because of repugnance to such Act." In other words the Minister of Industries and Commerce is a law unto himself, from which there is no appeal. The control of the Dominion’s transport is also firmly placed in the hands of the Minister, from whose decisions there is no appeal. The only Court of Appeal is the Minister: “No appeal shall lie from any appointment, decision or determination made by the Minister, and except upon the grounds of lack of jurisdiction, no proceeding, appointment, decision, or determination as aforesaid shall be liable to be challenged, reviewed or quashed or called into question in any Court." Not only is Ihe Minister of Transport superior In authority in all transport matters to the highest Coui ts of the land, but he has written info the laws of the Dominion provisions that are positively repugnant: "The Minister in determining any appeal shall not be bound to hear- any person or to take any evidence or to receive any representations from any person.” If the average working man and woman cherish the illusion that a Socialistic dictatorship will be content to enforce its will only on one section of the community they are due for a rude awakening. Mr J. A. Lee in his book “Socialism in New Zealand,” insists that under Socialism, which lie says is luevitable, the workers and their unions must abandon present tactics of grudging service and exploitation. They will be required to work harder and better. If the workers resent such regimentation I hey will have no alternative, for the State will be the sole employer 1