The British Commonwealth

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 18, 16 October 1943, Page 4

The British Commonwealth

Sir,—l read with keen interest the letter of “Second Generation Aussie” in this morning’s issue. The fair and reasonable understanding of the place of the British Commonwealth of Nations and the United States of America in the world and their inter-relations are of outstanding and immediate importance. The two greatest forces for freedom and decent conduct in international affairs today are unquestionably the United States and the British Commonwealth. Unless peoples of these nations can understand each other and be understood in turn by other nations, additional confusion Will be added to the present world chaos. We should not shut our eyes to the fact that a section of the Press in the United States is bent on creating difficulties and disturbing relationships between these nations. Part of it arises from an apparently incurable isolationism and another from party political interests and time-worn prejudices. The plea of “Second Generation Aussie” for a book of facts is timely. Fortunately such a book, “Argument of Empire,” by W. K. Hancock, was recently published and is within the compass of everyone’s pocket. Unfortunately copies are not immediately available in New Zealand, but within a short time libraries at least should be fully supplied with the book. Mr. Hancock’s work on world affairs, including those of the countries I have" mentioned, runs into thousands of pages. The book I am recommending is an antidote to narrow-minded-ness in Britain and America, comprises 150 pages, not one of which is dull. Specially would I commend it to those who propose to speak or write in the pregnant days ahead, and generally to all who would pretend to understand the fundamentals of government and human relationships. The better world to come depends much on the better understanding of the world we have and the peopl' who live in it.—l am, etc., —J.T.P. Wellington, October 15.