The Daily News. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1921. “BRITAIN DOES NOT FORGET.”

Taranaki Daily News, 24 September 1921, Page 4

The Daily News. SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 24, 1921. “BRITAIN DOES NOT FORGET.”

In the course of his recent speech at the Anglo-Belgian Union luncheon at Liege, the Belgian Foreign Minister (M. Jasper) exp-essed a sentiment that has a far wider significance than its application to the friendship that exists between Britain and Belgium. When the Minister said “Britain does not forget,” he evidently meant to convey a high tribute to British loyalty to friends, especially those needing help, and unswerving fidelity to her pledges. The theme is one that embraces all that is best in British ideals and policy, and may be regarded as the key to the position she has attained as a nation, as an Empire, and as a leading Power, while it represents the spirit which animated her when she threw her whole resources into the great conflict for upholding the integrity of Belgium and to deliver her —and all the weaker nations—from the invader. Having enabled the Allies to accomplish this task, Britain remembered that mercy and forbearance xvere attributes of the strong in victory, and, while, not forgetful of the claims of justice, gave the conquered foe the chance to reform its household and find salvation in the arts of peace, though taking the necessary precautions against a lapse from grace. “Our hearts’ gratitude to Britain,” said M. Jasper, “will be permanent.” The value of that gratitude must he measured by Belgium’s acts and not by M. Jasper’s words. Belgium, also, must not forget when questions of interest divide the two nations, neither must France. Britain stands four square for the peace of the world; for the elimination of armed strife; for the freedom and advancement of trade, commerce, and industry; for a higher civilisation and a better understanding of the real principle of universal brotherhood and for the arbitration of all disputes. Britain does not forget that her power and usefulness in the world’s affairs rests upon the pillars of a Constitution founded on the basic and enduring rock of freedom, with a super-structure comprising a world-wide Empire the most wonderful of all time. Critics may point to Ireland as an appendage that mars the otherwise perfect design of this superstructure, but it will not be Britain’s fault even if this difficult piece of architecture is not made to harmonise with the rest. It has a place there just as surely as any of the Dominions, and it cannot be cut out. Britain does not forget her obligations to Ireland, as the generous proposals for a peaceful settlement of differences plainly testify. The only things Britain forgets are those which are best obliterated from memory. She can magnanimously clean the slate of records that would otherwise be the source of further trouble, thus enabling a fresh start to be made in the right direction. Surely this method should find a corresponding action on 'the part of all her people. It is the keeping alive of differences and discord that causes infinite trouble and loss, in addition to lowering the national spirit. Especially is this the ease in connection with class grievances, industrial differences, and political

feuds. The Belgian Minister em-' phasised a fact as well as a princi-; pie when he uttered those words! of grave import to which this com- j ment refers. May it not also just-! ly be claimed that the people inj parts of the British Empire should not forget the duty they owe to one another as well as to the principles on which the Empire is founded? By precept and example they can reflect and expand those beneficent traits that have raised the Empire to the proud position it now occupies, by ever 'bearing in mind the value of construction on the right lines, and refusing to destroy, except to improve and not to mar, the noble heritage they have entered into. By concentrating on peace and progress they will find it to their advantage; and to do this they must turn a deaf ear to the blandishments and sophistry of those whose business it is to stir up strife. M. Jasper has done good service by emphasising the retentive and reliable nature of Britain’s memory in a way that may set the world thinking what a debt of gratitude it owes to Britain for championing the cause of the weak and oppressed, as well as for opening wide the gates of freedom to facilitate the security and advancement of the nations.