IN CAUSE OF PEACE

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 45, 16 May 1927, Page 7

IN CAUSE OF PEACE

DEFENCE OR DEVELOPMENT? USE OF BRITISH CAPITAL Advocating the patriotic use of wealth to develop the Empire, Hr. J. P. Hastings quoted a leading article from THE SUN last night, saying that the money expended on the Singapore base might have been used with more patriotic purpose—on setlement in New Zealand and on the relief of unemployment. A meeting was held in Everybody’s Theatre last night to consider the misunderstanding between Britain and China, the Hon. George Fowlds presiding. Dr. Hastings said that business and commerce suffered by war and preparation for war. British capital should be used to develop the Empire and especially the white portions of it. The self-governing parts of the Empire should have preference over the colonial portions. At present the profits which accrued from the development of the colonies flowed into the pockets of a few, and these were closely connected with the armament firms. “The great enemy of democracy,” said the speaker, “is a two-headed monster, one head representing armaments firms, and the other those investors who exploit the British flag for the sake of profits. What President Wilson said about Mexico is worth considering now. He said if American investors prefer to invest their capital in an unstable country like Mexico, they need not expect the navy and army to pull them out of the hole.” CHINA’S PROBLEMS The Rev. W. Mawson said the abolition of Britain’s treaties with China and the restoration of the foreign concessions would not solve China’s problems. On the contrary such action would probably add to the country’s difficulties, at least temporarily. He felt the Chinese desired patience by Britain above all else. The country realised a stable government was essential before satisfactory negotiations could be made with the Powers, and the great mass of the people felt that the military despots who exercised their power in various areas were working only for personal aggrandisement. China had been subject to Manchurian domination for 250 years, and the people had not been allowed to take any interest in politics. As a result there still remained a great apathy toward public affairs, although the Manchurian yoke had been thrown off. China was still struggling to know itself, and for that reason it was only right that Britain should exercise patience in the present crisis. A manifesto urging the abolition of conscription in all countries as a first step toward universal disarmament was approved.