BRITISH EMPIRE

Waikato Times, Volume 123, Issue 20679, 14 December 1938, Page 7

BRITISH EMPIRE

MUST STICK TOGETHER ADVICE TO THE DOMINIONS DEPENDENCE ON TIFE NAVY (Official Wireless) (Received Dec. 14, 1 p.m.) RUGBY, Dec. 13 Mr Malcolm MacDonald, speaking at the Constitutional Club, described the visit to be made to Canada by Their Majesties as an unprecedented journey. adding that for the first time a reigning King and Queen were to set foot on the soil of one of the great overseas Dominions over which they reigned. He believed that the British Empire to-day was the greatest practical expression of permanent political principles which ought to inspire devotion and command the services of even the youngest and most idealistic. The main purpose of the British Empire was the gradual spreading of liberty amongst His Majesty’s subjects in whatever part of the earth they lived. Disintegrating Forces The most significant part of the Empire to-day was that part called the British Commonwealth of Nations. There were certain disintegrating forces at work within the Empire today. There was, for instance, the force of nationalism, and there was no doubt that some of the Dominions had been bitten rather badly by nationalism. They were anxious to demonstrate that they had attained their majority, that they had arrived at man’s estate. It was absolutely right and proper that they should feel like that, but beyond a certain point nationalism could r>e a disintegrating force. If one Dominion ever made a decision to break the link which tied them constitutionally within the Empire that might be a temptation to others to follow suit. There were many counter-forces, however, which were making for the continued association of this country and ttie Dominions. “I have watched the Dominions and this country come through crisis after crisis together,” said Mr MacDonald. “Every one of those was a test of the power of this country and the Dominions to stick together. I have been amazed at the capacity, indeed at the instinct, of the Dominions and this country to get together in times of crisis, and to work together.” Dominions’ Main Strength Referring to the material factors that worked towards continued association, Mr MacDonald said the Dominions had got to recognise that for some long time to come their main strength lay In their association with Britain and their security depended mainly on the power of the British Navy to defend their shores against aggression. EMPIRE UNITY VALUE OF SINGAPORE BASE IMPORTANCE TO NEW ZEALAND (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 14. 12.40 p.m.) LONDON. Dec. 13 Sir Thomas Tnskip in- a speech before the Empirp League, declared that Empire unity depended on the maintenance of sea power. He declared that Singapore would make a tremendous improvement in Imperial defence. Tt was essential for the defence of Australia. New Zealand and the Indian Ocean. With the addition of minor antiaircraft equipment, the base would be complete, after which it would profoundly affect the safety and unity of the Empire. v He added that the defences at home and throughout the Empire were being completed, so that there was no longer any necessity for Britain to refrain from prompt action or for the Prime Minister to be hampered by considerations of Britain’s weakness. LICENSING OF IMPORTS THE NEW ZEALAND MEASURES QUESTION IN THE COMMONS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 14. 1 p.m.) LONDON, Dec. 13 The measures of exchange control, including the licensing of imports, which were announced by New Zealand on December 6 were the subject of a question in the House of Commons. Mr Malcolm MacDonald, replying, said he had not yet sufficient information in regard to the conditions under which import licenses would be made available to judge of the probable effect of these measures on imports of United Kingdom goods, but a public statement had been made on behalf of the New Zealand Government to the effect that it fully recognised its obligations ter buy as much as possible in this country. He understood that New Zealand is, making special arrangements regarding the importation of goods ordered before December 5. and he was in communication with the New Zealand Government on the matter.