MR BRUCE ON EMPIRE PROBLEMS

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17170, 13 October 1923, Page 9

MR BRUCE ON EMPIRE PROBLEMS

AN ECONOMIC QUESTION. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copy yin Australian and N.Z. Cable Associate >n. (Received October 13. 3.30 p.m.) LONDON, October 12. Mr Bruce, Commonwealth Prime Minister, responding at the Mansion House luncheon, said that Britain's position in the world had been, based on her Umpire’s trade, but she could not continue to be heard in the councils of the worlds or maintain her prominent position in the or continue her influence over other nations by her foreign policy, unless she could maintain her trade position, which depended on the solution of the problems whifch the Economic Conference was now considering. That was why he classed th© Economic Conference as more important than the Imperial Conference. He believed the solution ot the present problems would be found. Ihe Empire’s position seemed to be imperilled, but British people had faced such situations before, and would face them again. Problems had been solved in the past and would be solved to-day. The solution lay in the will and courage of the people. “ There never was a time when wo should have been more proud of our race,” he said. “ than after the war through which we have come. We have to-day as fin© a generation a$ th© Empire has ever seen. Before the war many people wondered whether th© Dominions won 111 be prepared to stand up for the Empire in her hour of need. The war Supplied th© answer to thatquestion and showed that the Empire had people who couki face any situation with courage. but to achieve great, things we must have leadership.” It was to men of responsibilitv that London must look for help, leadership and assistance. They had also to attempt to find a market for their produce. Tt sounded th© simplest thing, but was difficult beyond words. If the Economic Conference could find a Way out of that problem, it would ensure tb© welfare of the Empire for all time. He believed that such a solution of the market problem, benefiting both Britain and the Dominions, would give Britain a commercial position unrivalled by anv other nation on the face of the earth. That was the great problem that the Economic C-onferenre wSs tTying to solve in Txmdon. Tb© Empire was in great danger now. as during the war.

Tli© luncheon was a brilliant gathering, over three thousand guests being present