ORDERS TO NAVAL OFFICERS.

Hokitika Guardian, 21 February 1924, Page 3

ORDERS TO NAVAL OFFICERS.

RIDICULED IN AUSTRALIA. AUSTRALIAN AN'JJ N.Z. CABLE ASSOCIATION. (Received this day at .10.25 a.m.) SYDNEY, Feb. 21 The “Daily Telegraph’s” .Melbourne correspondedt states that, apparently by orders from .Mr MacDonald, instructions have been issued to Llie British squadron which will consider a lily nullify the jingo patriotism which the visit of the vessels had been intended to inspire. It is understood that Mr MacDonald would have stooped the visit of the ilcet liad it bc-cr, reasonably possible to do so. i'-his information was contained in a cablegram to one of the Australian Labour loaders. The message had been published in the London “Daily Herald” and has been sent on for publication in the labour paper, the “Call” which is tho official organ of the Victorian Labour Party. Tho message reads:

“According to the “Daily Herald” there is a distinct and welcome touch in Air Itamsqy MacDonald's ideas In regard to the world tour of tlie fleet. He stated that there will bo no warlike demonstrations or theatrical displays. The people of our Dominions must be treated as comrades in industry and not as brothers in arms; that will be our policy with regard to them. Officers of the navy are not to make any political distinction where a Labour Government is not in power. They are to pay their official respects to tho Labour leaders and the opposition and must give as much recognition to a Trades Hall as to n Town Hull, it is true that the spirit of internationalism should he spread throughout the world and put into practice. We intend to start with our Dominions first and this tour gives a splendid opportunity, not only for an object lesson in internationalism, but also in propaganda for peace.” “The "Age” newspaper commenting says: "It is inevitable that Mr MacDonald should curtesy to the demagogic fancies of those within his party classed as “Reds.” He should be told that the Australian workman tolerated no patriotism for himself and is inclined rather to think it his own privilege to patronise the rest of humanity! The naval instruction cable is really a good joke and British naval men will laugh at it as Air MacDonald knew when he sent it. The insincerity is looked upon by many as a fanpart of the political game, but when the leader plays it down a little bit too low he defeats his own ends and is apt to excite contempt. It is now necessary for him to reassure the proletariat that the officers of the fleet must conduct themselves as pacifists and internationalists. They’re to let it be known that the mighty engines of warfare they command really represent so many tokens of peace and goodwill. Jf the men of the fleet are to depart far enough from the proud traditions of their service and to sacrifice tlieii national spirit at the orders of a Labour Prime Minister, they will find no such sacrifice on the part of the men in Australia. In this country national pride is the ruling passion, while the treacherous shuffle of the internationalist is derided and despised. Should the naval officers visit the T rades ITall they will find there men who have as much national pride as they have themselves.”