The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1928. BRITISH POLITICS

Hokitika Guardian, 17 November 1928, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 17, 1928. BRITISH POLITICS

With tho House of Commons in session, a/iul a momentous election looming ahead next year, whereat “the dapper vote’’ will he brought into operation for the first time, the leaders of the parties in Parliament particularly, are carrying on a policy of wordy mnnoeiuring with the intention of addressing the electors of Great Britain betimes in regard to great issues of the moment. As is customary, the British Prime Minister made the orthodox November speech last week at the annual Lord Mayor’s banquet. Although the situation was outside Parliament House, the speech was a mealy one as regards British politics generally. Mr Baldwin has been described as a tvpiea] John Bull. He may not ho as ro-

bust in figure as the portly proportions usually adopted to pourtrav the typical solid, stolid Englishman, but he appear*! to be in mind and clarity oi thought, such a man as would be typical of the type of character John Bull should be. The speech at the Lord Mayor’s banquet covered a variety of subjects in the vast field of foreign polities as affecting the international relations of Great Britain. His review was a very enlightening one and served to show the earnestness of the Government in regard to the many large and difficult questions in issue. He was particularly frank as regards Fra neoBritish relations. The political susceptibilities of France are easily disturbed. and it has been always a rather delicate position to convince France of the genuineness of Great Britain’s friendship. Yet proof has been given over and over again in very practical shape. Still there are many political writers in France with a crop of newspapers at their service, who seem to delight in baiting Britain when the opportunity offers by proclaiming some ulterior object or an absence of frankness in regard to the real intent of the action proposed or being taken. In this respect, the endeavour of Britain to establish relations with Germany in keeping with the changing times, is over and over living called into question by irresponsible writers in France. Yet it is clear Great Britain is hut playing the part of the big brother in the desire to bring about a general reconciliation secured on a firm basis of peace. "When those nearest to Britain seem to understand her the least, it is perhaps not surprising that those at a distance are difficult to convince. 'lt is a notable fact that many actions of Britain, especially of late in the matter of armaments, are being misinterpreted in America. Mr Coolidge’s latest- speech is a ease in point of that lack of cordiality which really might be extended to Britain in appreciation of the good and honest intentions manifested at all times. Mr Baldwin, it would appear has a large and critical audience to convince outside the confines of Great Britain, for much of the success of the Home policy rests on acceptance of' the foreign policy by the nations affected. Tf the foreign policy is not based on mutual confidence in the internationl sense, it becomes more difficult- to retain confidence at Home, and Mr Baldwin must have felt that- this week when he reproved Mr Lloyd George, for some statements sent abroad which in turn made it more and more difficult for the Government .to establish genial relations with other Powers. The. bona tides of Great Britain in regard to the League of Nations, has been well established. Tt is regarded as a useful instrument for the exchange of views and reaching an understanding which has effective control on the currency of events. It should thus he realised what an important factor the foreign policy is of Great Britain as a means to shape the internal policy of the country, and this should he kept in mind when it is thought by some that

Britain is not moving fast enough in regard to domestic reforms, and that a change of Government would be a good tiling to accelerate progress. But whoever is in power will find the controlling restricting effect of the foreign policy as affecting the Home or domestic policy.