DEFENCE OF EMPIRE

Taranaki Central Press, Volume IV, Issue 435, 17 May 1937, Page 5

DEFENCE OF EMPIRE

CLARIFICATION NEEDED DOMINION’S POSITION Commitments To France Frees Association-Copyright. London, May 15. “The Imperial Conference must clarify the extent to which, the Dominions approve of British commitments to France,” says the Sunday Times. “They may conceivably make drafts of their sentiment. “Britain has no right to draw upon the immense funded capital of Dominion loyalty and affection, except for objects which the Dominions feel are in their own Interests. If we try to do so it is a denial of the equality of status which the Coronation affirms. “It may be true that the Dominions wouldi have to spend more largely on defence if the British Navy did not exist, but if the Navy increases their security our quarrels increase their risks, thus practically squaring accounts. Consequently, the financial approach to the problem is wrong. The right approach if the Coronation avenue, through common sentiment and devotion to the ideals of liberty and peace. “We must so organise the Empire’s physical strength that it may be promptly concentrated at a strategic centre, which is only possible with a foreign policy in which the Dominions concur,” the paper adds. “Australia and South Africa dominate the air for the widest possible radius, thus perfecting their own defence when and where it is needed. Let Canada assist in making a common maritime policy between the Empire and the United States.” FOREIGN POLICY Contacts Renewed In London Press Association—Copyright. London, May 16. The presence at London for the Coronation of the Prime Ministers or Foreign Ministers of many countries has afforded an opportunity, of which the Foreign Secretary, Mr Anthony Edon, has Oaken, advantage, to renew contacts established at Geneva or on his visits to European capitals. Mr Eden has had a number of valuable conversations of a general character, and it is probable that the visiting statesmen among themtelves have taken the chance < f meeting and exchanging ideas in a . way which may be none the less fruitful for beirg informil.