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Hokitika Guardian, 23 July 1929, Page 4

The general situation as affecting the defence of the Empire cannot he determined hurriedly. The Russo-Chinese position is perhaps timely evidence that the world is not settling down to complete rest. It takes very little at times to start the flame of war; and once started, it is always difficult to say where the conflagration will end. Great Britain must not- he in a hurry towards disarmament, anV more than there must he undue haste in closing down the Singapore Base. The Dominions are greatly concerned in the latter matter, and just at 'the moment with matters in a ferment in the Far East, it does not appear a timely gesture to suggest closing down on the naval base at Singapore. Signor Mussolini had some outspoken remarks the othar day about the Italian view-

point on the present political position in Great Britain. Mussolini does not regard the advent of Labour to power at Home as ensuring the safety of the Empire. Mussolini is one who believes in retaining power as the lever to enforce law and right, and he considers Britain has bartered away her political rights by the recent change in Government. The Labour Government is a party bent upon peace, but that does not mean the other parties were bent on war. Labour is rather disposed to be a peace at any price party, but that does not suit a great nation which needs must have the power to maintain her self-respect in emergency. Britain’s entry into the late war was. not for self, but for others in justification of a pledged word, and had Mr MacDonald been Prime Minister lie could not have done less than Mr Asquith did when a memorable decision had to be made. The maintenance of -lie naval strength adequate for requirements in the matter of maintaining trade routes, is of the highest import to the overseas dominions. Those highways are as essential for the life of the Homeland as for the Dominions, and however pacifist the present Government may he in its disposition it cannot ignore the plight of the Empire if its naval defence is considered inadequate. That defence is as essential for the trade of the Homeland as for the food supply of the country, and any Government which shuts its eyes to the common needs of every day life is merely riding for a fall so far as the political future of Great Britain is concerned.