EMPIRE TIES

Wairarapa Times-Age, 14 December 1938, Page 8

EMPIRE TIES

AND SOME DISINTEGRATING FORCES MR MACDONALD’S SURVEY. UNION SPLENDIDLY WORTH MAINTAINING. (British Official Wireless.) (Received This Day, 11.35 a.m.) RUGBY, December 13. Speaking at the Constitutional Club Mr Malcolm MacDonald (Dominions Secretary), after referring to the historic significance of . their Majesties’ forthcoming visit to‘Canada, said .he believed the British Empire today was the greatest practical expression in certain permanent political principles which ought to inspire devotion and command the services of even the youngest and most idealistic. He mentioned, however, that there were certain disintegrating forces at work within the Empire today. There was, for instance, the force of nationalism, and there was no doubt that some of the Dominions had been bitten rather badly by nationalism. They were anxious to demonstrate that they had attained their majority and that they had arrived at man's estate. It was absolutely right and proper that they should feel like that, but beyond a certain point nationalism could be a disintegrating force. If one Dominion ever made a decision to break the link which tied it constitutionally within the Empire, that might be a temptation to others to follow suit. There were many counter forces, however, which were making for the continued association of England and the Dominions, and in this Connection Mr MacDonald said the Dominions must recognise.that their main strength lay in their association with Britain, and that their security depended mainly on the power of the British Navy to defend their shores.

VALUE OF SINGAPORE

STRESSED BY SIR THOMAS INSKIP. BRITAIN NO LONGER WEAK. * By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright. (Received This Day, 12.40 p.m.) LONDON, December 13. Sir Thomas Inskip, in a speech at the Empire League, declared that Empire unity depended on the maintenance of sea power and declared that Singapore would make a tremendous improvement in Imperial defence. It was essential for the defence of Australia and New Zealand and held the gate of the Indian Ocean. With the addition of minor anti-aircraft equipment, the base would be completed, after which it would profoundly affect the safety and unity of the Empire. He added that defences at home and throughout the Empire were being completed, so that it would no longer be necessary for Britain to refrain from prompt action, or the Prime Minister, to be hampered by considerations of Britain’s weakness.