Where the Empire Stands

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 194, 5 November 1927, Page 9

Where the Empire Stands

OUTLINE BY MR AMERY Unity to World : Freedom Within IN a speech at Canberra, the Secretary of State for the Dominions, Mr. L. S. Amery, outlined broadly the aims and aspirations of the British Government. by Cable. —Press Association. — Copyright.

Reed. 10.20 a.m. CANBERRA, To-day. THE Secretary of State for the Dominions, Mr. L. S. Amery, in a private address to members of the Senate and the House of Representatives, commented upon the influence that had been exercised by several leading statesmen, some of whom were now dead. He also discussed the position of Europe, and expressed the view that it would be neither safe nor desirable for Britain to become more deeply involved i~> foreign security pacts. He emphasised the desirability of maintaining and retaining friendship with the United States, and declared that it was the intention of the British Government to maintain the British strategic points throughout the world, while not in any way interfering with the autonomy of the Dominions.

The lauding of troops in China, said Mr. Amery. had no sinister motive behind it, but was to protect British nationals, who expected the protection of their flag. It was not designed in any way to interfere with the legitimate national aspirations of the Chinese. Mr. Amery dealt frankly with the position in South Africa, and expressed thankfulness that a solution of the difficulties there over the national flag seemed certain to be reached. The future of South Africa, he said, was bright so long as disruptive influences did not wreck what had been accomplished. The interests and policy of Britain in Turkey, Mesopotamia and India were also referred to, but he refrained from referring to migration or loans, and avoided any reference to Australian politics.— A. and N.Z.