The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1929. THE VISIT AND AFTER.

Hokitika Guardian, 16 October 1929, Page 4

The Guardian And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times. WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 16, 1929. THE VISIT AND AFTER.

It is an old saying that “all’s well that ends well.’’ Although A 1 r Ramsay MacDonald's visit to the United States has ended virtually, the business proper of his visit is only at the beginning. At the same time, a wonderful commencement appears to have been made, and great things are possible when the lull journey’s end is reached. Mr MacDonald began well and ended well. He was received splendidly and the impressions created by the visit must have warranted that reception fully., 'J'he Prime Minister in regard to disarmament is a great optimist, likewise he is prepared to trust human nature. He says he is an internationalist, hut probably he says that much, as a former Prince of Wales once said, “We are all socialists.” There was a' good deal behind the Prince’s mind to qualify the kind of socialist he believed we all were. So with Mr MacDonald, we aro sure he is

not internationalist enough to forget his own country, or. to put its safety and welfare in danger merely to consort with other nations for some passing gain which might lead to a great national disaster. Mr MacDonald lias elected to take the Americans at his own measure of himself, but we know from the record and speech of many American statesmen that they do not regard (treat Br.tain with special favour, and what they demand in any bargaining is not a reasonable compromise, but the whole issue of their requests from the outset. Mr MacDonald, if he is an out and out internationalist will go t-o any lengths to satisfy the demands of America, and if lie carries that determination out in its entirety, where will he end without sacrificing toe Empire and all that Impel*.al unity means. The complete internationalist will favour universal free trade, and all preference for colonial products will lie lost. How can the Dominions stand up to such an economic loss such a policy would cause. All countries are hod equal in financial condition, nor is it possible to reduce them to equality without upsetting the equilibrium of the world so far as international intercourse is concerned. Mr MacDonald, by declaring himself a thorough going internationalist, would impose complete socialisation on the world at large. Mr MacDonald cannot speak for nor influence other countries, and surely lie is not reckless enough to drive Great Britain along the highway of internationalism and expect all other countries to follow him. And if they do not follow him is he not going to wreck the fortunes of tile Empire by imposing on it a policy of dissolution such as international free trade would cause. If Mr MacDonald has not said more than he intended, carried away by the reception accorded him, it is to tie hoped lie will make himself plain, or the policy lie would pursue will bring about Ins downfall. To satisfy America in regard to naval requirements, Mr MacDonald must promise a great deal. Here again the integrity of the Empire is at stake. Great Britain needs the ocean highway secure for her trade and commerce, whether within herself or for her overseas Dominions. If the latter are valued at their true worth, can Britan afford to give up the right to protect her Empire commerce, and also food supply for her own people? The issue is a tremendous one for Great Britain to determine, and the Government of which Mr Ramsay MacDonald is head, will have to satisfy public opinion on the broad issue, not of public policy, hut of public safety. These reflections suggest that following the surface success of the visit there must he close heart-searching as to where Mr MacDonald will lead the nation if full nlav he given to his leanings towards internationalism, otherwise complete socialism.