EMPIRE SERVICE LEAGUE

Hokitika Guardian, 17 July 1923, Page 3

EMPIRE SERVICE LEAGUE

CONFKRENCE OPENS

[nv TELEGRAPH—I>ER PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

{Received this day at 11.15 a.in.) LONDON, .July 10.

The opening of the first hiennial conference of the British Empire Service Longue, was attended by delegates from all parts of the Empire. Lord Devonshire emphasised the importance of turning to the most profitable account the victory gained at so great a cost. He was confident if there were a cooperative spirit and unity of determination however serious the complicated problems, that there would he ultimale success.

Marl Haig welcoming the delegates, said the League’s new endeavour could lie summed up in the words of unity, comradeship and peace. liiter-Kmpire. migration presented a rich field for the work of the League. The Empire's future depended upon its successful solution. He urged the maintenance of fiiendship, and a good understanding with ex-service organisations and Allied peoples, especially United States. Suc h common action spells the pence of the world. In the interests of peace, exservice men should stand for adequate defence of the Empire. An unarmed nation did not keep the respect and friendship of neighbours. We had seen what unprepnredness had cost this generation and seen the sin of impropnredness visited on our children. The fact was that in 1914 the Empire was unorganised even in skeleton, for war or defence. The League must press for a defensive organisation. General Russell (New Zealand) in expressing thanks for the delegates, said the populating of vast areas overseas was essential to the security of the Dominions. 'file Prince of Wales was re-elected Patron, and Earl Haig, Grand President. A message from the American legation expressed the hope that the world may see in it our continued hope for the universal brotherhood of men.