The Gisborne Herald. IN WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES.” GISBORNE, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 1947. RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE BRITISH EMPIRE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22338, 24 May 1947, Page 4

The Gisborne Herald. IN WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES.” GISBORNE, SATURDAY, MAY 24, 1947. RESPONSIBILITIES TO THE BRITISH EMPIRE

Tod AY Empire Day will lie commemorated in the second year of peace after the recent world conflagration. Unhappily it is still an uneasy pence and, although British communities everywhere may fittingly take stock of the present effects of the great struggle, it is even more important that serious thought should lie given to the economic and political problems of the future. The British Empire has been called an anachronism —and worse. It still contains rich prizes for any intending aggressor, and its prospective looting whetted both the German and Japanese appetites. It has carried along with it many faults in the world’s eyes, as well as performed many signal services, and the criticism it has attracted undoubtedly contains lessons for our peoples. But whatever else, we may lay to heart, two things must assuredly weigh with us as determining the Empire’s destiny—the preservation of power in combination for defence against attack and then the increasing use of its influence for the advancement of human society, by which its right to live will be judged by all other nations. The two together cannot fail to make a powerful, perhaps crucial, contribution to world peace. The neglect of either might well precipitate another world war. Its future is.for its people’s joint shaping; what it has been hitherto was vividly described by Dorothy Thompson early in the recent war: “This remarkable and artistic thing, the British Empire, part Empire, part Commonwealth, is the only world-wide organisation in existence, the world equaliser and holder of the equilibrium, the only world-wide stabilising force for law and order on this planet.”

‘‘Must Stick With Britain.”

In many ways Dorothy Thompson’s own country is for the time being stronger both militarily and economically. Act America is manifestly convinced that the British Commonwealth and Empire is not a dying and decadent group of nations. Only the other day Admiral Nimitz, commander-in-chief of the United States Navy, gave an impressive ‘‘must stick with Britain speech which left no room for doubt on the views of a very successful and practical man. It is true that America and Britain must stick together. But they do not wish to enter into a partnership or bloc hostile to a third Great Power—Russia—which has emerged victorious from the holocaust. Mainly for reasons of political ideology, Russia is choosing to stand aloof in many respects from complete harmony with the western democracies. She views America with dark suspicion.and seemingly pretends to be contemptuous of Britain. The British people, the majority of whom want to he as friendly with the Russian people in peace as they felt when the two nations were lighting the common enemy, have been deeply hurt again and again by the Soviet campaign of vilification which has followed the passing of the war dangers. It has all seemed so unnecessary to a country which believes in freedom for all, freedom in political thinking and, in short, a policy of live and let live. It is. a sad commentary on the state of the deteriorating relationship that Russia should have been proved by British Trade Union Congress headquarters to have been aiming at isolating Britain as ‘ a decadent, reactionary Power.” Once Ibis nefarious aim was achieved, the world would no doubt be in danger from a new type of aggression.

‘‘Cards on the Table.”

Whether it was by chance or design, it was appropriate that flic warning pamphlet, “Cards on the Table”, should have^ been issued by the Trades Union Congress so near Empire Day. Soviet propagandists have for years being trying to win union woikcis over to the Communist political creed. But British workers as a whole realise they are steadily getting what they want without recourse to the precepts and practices of a revolutionary movement. While some of their leaders in strong trade union organisations appear to be following the Communist Party line whether or not they are avowed Communists, the great mass of the workers throughout the British Empire arc undoubtedly loyal to their own countries and to their democratic traditions. It is good to note the Trade Union Congress’ stand in the face 01 attempts to discredit Britain. The substance of its twopenny pamphlet will do more to correct a wrongful impression than any similar statements from a Conservative quarter. To some observers it has seemed that a tew of Labour s leadens —in Australia and New Zealand as well as in Britain have not hitherto been very emphatic in their criticism of the Communists or extreme Leftists for causing unauthorised strikes. The signs have long been clear in this Dominion, for instance, that there has been too much empty talk and too little action against the wreckers who dodge the democratic ballot and rig mass meetings in order to spread trouble. . Just recently, however, it has been encouraging to note that the Prime Minister, Mr. Eraser, has indicated his opinion that his party must do something to show that it is not the tool of. an irresponsible minority. In spite of bis criticism of the Opposition, his statements in the course of the Avon by-election campaign promising stronger action have been welcome —none more so than his assurance that the question of a compulsory secret ballot before strike action is taken would be looked into. A decision to enforce the secret ballot would unquestionably mitigate the perils of future trouble and heavy blows to industry.