LIBERAL CRITICISM.

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 364, 19 February 1937, Page 5

LIBERAL CRITICISM.

DOMINION’S SHARE. No Additional Contribution Asked For. (British Official 'Wireless.) Rugby, Feb. 17. “We are faced with the possi- ' .ability of a triple attack against .the Empire, In the Far East, in • the Mediterranean, and a knockout blow at the heart of the Emjsi're,” said Sir Archibald Sin--cfalr, Liberal Leader, in discussing the White Paper. "We are entitled to know whether the Gov- , ernment’s policy Is collective security, a military alliance, or isolation. The vast expenditure on armaments must force up prices. The Government should satisfy us that it Is taking effective measures to make theite armaments unnecessary.!'

Enunciating the policy of removing the causes of armament, Sir Archibald urged the Government to strive for the abolition of quotas Imperial preference' and the restoration of the “open door” in the colonial empire. He also urged the appointment of commissions to investigate the grievances of dissatisfied nations.

Dr. Hugh Dalton asked whether the Dominions were going to contribute to (lie common cost of armaments, also whether additional contributions were in sight from the colonies and dependencies.

Mr. Chamberlain, intervening; eaid “Britain has not a single particular Power for an enemy, nor are we in alliance with other Powers on whose aid we can count. We must consider a whole series of hypothetical emergencies in which we may be opposed to this or that Powers. We will draw up a defence programme to make us feel ae safe as possible against this hypothetical set of emergencies. , It Sir Archibald had had his way he would probably soon have lost us the Empire. It is true y.,'c are depend'nt

largely for supplies'bf essential materials on the Dominions throughout the world. This does lay a special duty on the Navy, but there is no intention to call on the Dominions to’ contribute to the common fund. The Dominions have spent a great deal perfecting rd improving their own defences; that is the.fr contribution to the common fund. No other form of contribution is under discussion at the present tim”. ",