TO-DAY’S TASK.

Taranaki Daily News, 29 March 1921, Page 5

TO-DAY’S TASK.

SALVAGING CIVILISATION, BRITISH EMPIRE’S PART. DISCUSSED BY H. G. WELLS. B/ Telegraph —Press Assn —Copyright Received March 28, 7.30 p.m. London, March 27. Mr. H. G. Wells, in a series of articles In the Sunday Times, tackles the problem of salvaging civilisation, which, he contends, is fast tumbling to pieces, and no efforts are being made to stave off disaster. . Mr. Wells declares that America and Europe must inevitably approach the task from different angles, and in a different spirit. The idea that America can take her place alongside European Governments in organising a world peace is a mistaken and unworkable one. The noble and splendid project of worldwide peace is too much for American participation and too little for Europe’s needs. If Europe wishes to avoid sinking into anarchy she must no longer think in terms of France, England, and iso forth. All other international problems. Mr. Welle declares, subordinate themselves to transport communications. Therein lies the weakness of the heterogeneous British Empire, scattered and entangled among a multitude of possible antagonists, as contrasted with the homogeneous United States. The Empire’s political and economic cohesion rests upon one thing. The steamship remaining secure means that the world's transport shall be dominant in peace time and invulnerable in war. Sea power is, how r ever, not the simple thing it used to be, for we are now confronted with submarines and aircraft. Britishers must recognise that All-Red air routes are impossible except via Canada. The Empire must rest, not upon its strength in warfare, but upon peeping peace within and without its boundaries. —United Service.