The Daily News. TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1921. THE HIGHEST POLICY.

Taranaki Daily News, 24 May 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. TUESDAY, MAY 24, 1921. THE HIGHEST POLICY.

Statesmanship, as applied to world problems, depends for its success on several factors, such as an accurate and intimate knowledge of international affairs, the ability to discern how friction can be avoided by weighing well the interests of each State as well as what would be best for the nations as a whole, having regard to strict justice to the people' of every country. These fundamental .principles can only be carried into practice by the possession of exceptional breadth of view, wide sympathy, absolute impartiality, extraordinary foresight, and a clarity of vision that can pierce the subtleties of diplomacy and intrigue with unerring accuracy. In no direction can perfect statesmanship be of such beneficial service to humanity as in promoting, and, if possible, securing international peace. For these and other obvious reasons, the pronouncement made by the Premier of Soutji Africa (General Smuts), on the eve of his departure to the London conference of Empire Premiers, merits world-wide attention. Whatever may be the dominant object of the other Premiers at the conference, it is the intention of General Smuts to use liis influence to secure a lasting peace. The geographical position of South Africa, the circumstances under which it became part of the Empire, and the high reputation obtained, by its Premier as a soldiei and statesman lend additional interest and weight to the views he has expressed on this vital matter of peace. General Smuts .is no advocate of half-hearted compromises or the shirking of manifest duties. “The time has come,” he said, “when the Empire must make a most serious effort to extricate itself from the troubles of the Continent, and foster a policy of peace in Europe . . . to

appear, not as a party, but as a peacemaker.” The truth of this contention is beyond question. The lofty view taken by General Smuts of the position occupied by the British Empire on emerging from the war is the keynote of his theme, whereon is based tlie call for action worthy of “the most powerful organism on earth”, therefore necessitating the backing up of none but the highest policy. This has not only the ring of true Imperialism, but it emphasises the gravity 'of the Empire’s position as the dominant factor in the peace qf the world. Presumably what General Smuts means is that the Premiers of the Empire should unite with the Motherland in the creation of this “highest policy”, put an end to participation in the undignified and irritating feuds between France and Germany, and take a firm stand as a peacemaker on the lines whereby a permanent peace can be secured. With America’s help, even at this late hour, General Smuts is satisfied this can be done if American interests ' are safeguarded; hence, his advocacy of an understanding being arrived at with. America relative to the Anglo-Japanese Treaty. Admittedly, a cardinal principle of the Empire’s .policy should be to secure the close eo-operation of the United States, so that these two great democratic Powers should be in a position to stand four square to-the world in the interests of peace. Such a consummation is worthy of concentrated effort. It is no. passing dream, but a reality attainable by means of the “highest policy”. If, as may be sincerely hoped will be the case, General Smuts succeeds in materialising that policy, it will inaugurate a new era of COB-

cord, though it may entail the creation of an Empire Council charged with the vital duty of controlling the foreign policy of the Empire. Great as would be the sacrifice the Dominions would have to make for the next year or so consequent oil the absence of their Premiers at this council, the attainment of the end in view would far outweigh all other considerations. All other policies having failed, it is time anj expedient to enter upon.the “highest” policy.