SOCIALIST AIMS IN WORLD AFFAIRS

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24899, 12 June 1946, Page 7

SOCIALIST AIMS IN WORLD AFFAIRS

“We are carrying out in foreign affairs our party policy,” said Mr Attlee. “We bring to foreign affairs, as to home affairs, the touchstone of our Socialist faith. We are seeking to promote world peace by collective security.” 'Mr Attlee said that the British Labour movement had never been narrow or insular. It had always recognised that the cause of the workers throughout the world was one. “We h=ve always realised that you cannot build up a* little safety zone for yourselves and leave misery in the rest of the world.” he said. The Government was resolved to carry out the great responsibilities which fell on Britain as one of the victors in the war. The Government was seeking to promote world peace by collective security. “We support democracy and freedom everywhere.” said Mr Attlee. “We know thst a political world settlement is not enough. We must base peace on economic prosperity and social justice. _ ~ “We do not seek to force our ideas on other countries. We have to live and work with States of diverse char-

acters. We believe in co-operation between peoples of different outlook. We do not intend to attempt to force a dull uniformity on the world. We ask for others the freedom we ask for ourselves. “We do more than proclaim this freedom. We seek to put it into effect, as witness India.” If the Indians decided to “go outside.” Britain would stretch out the hand of freedom to them. Dealing with Labour’s attitude towards the colonial Empire, Mr Attlee said: “I hear a few voices which mumble old shibboleths about imperialism. I am bound to say they seem to me to be rather second-hand noises.” After paying a tribute to the Parliamentary Labour Party as “the ablest as well as the largest and youngest we have ever had,” Mr Attlee added: “This, after all, is only the beginning, but I can say. after this experience of Government, that I reaffirm my faith in democratic Socialism.” Delegates to the Labour Party conference acclaimed Mr Attlee’s speech as the most stirring he hes so far made. The applause continued for several minutes.