Wairarapa Times-Age FRIDAY, MAY 26, 1939. THE KING ON EMPIRE IDEALS.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 May 1939, Page 4

Wairarapa Times-Age FRIDAY, MAY 26, 1939. THE KING ON EMPIRE IDEALS.

SOME people, having read the message broadcast to the Empire by the King on Empire Day, may feel that there was a touch of exaggeration in the statement cabled by a correspondent that his Majesty “ventured further into the realms of international politics than any constitutional, monarch ever has done.” So far as positive utterance went, the King trampled on no susceptibilities. His address was entirely free from anything upon which the most captious critic could fasten as an indiscretion.

Temperately as he spoke, however, his Majesty asserted boldly ami unequivocally a national and international faith that is held by one great part of the modern world and is as definitely rejected" at all events by the present ruling powers of another <>reat part In that by no means unimportant sense, the King adventured boldly into the realms of international politics. The faith and the ideals, he affirmed for himself and for the British Empire over which he rules are in complete and uncompromising contrast to those proclaimed by the totalitarian dictators who now hold sway in Europe and are seeking to set their mark on the whole world. Pointed significance is thereby given to the King’s regretful admission, in his parting word to the youth of the Empire, that it is true “that the skies are overcast in more than one quarter at present.

In its broad and total effect, however, his Majesty’s address from Winnipeg was that of a ruler who spoke evidently from his heart in claiming for the British Empire and for the other great branch of the English-speaking race a common faith in reason and fair play, and in declaring - that the key to tine progress lies in faith, hope and love. There is much to stii the blood and quicken the imagination of the people both of the United States and of the newer lands of the Empire in the Ki n g’s quest ion: — t

Is not this a moment when the Old World in its turn might look for hope and guidance to the achievements of the new?

It is not improbable that the fate of modern civilisation may depend upon an effective affirmative answer being made to this challenging question. In the newer lands of the Empire and in the United States a more open opportunity appears than is offered visibly in the Old World of lifting the life of men and nations to a higher plane. The obstacles that stand in the way, and indeed the possibility of world catastrophe, are in plain sight. But the hope of a nobler and happier future also. appears as something that may be brought within reach by united and devoted effort. The King’s message broadcast from the heart of Canada carried its full and direct appeal to lovers of freedom in his own Empire and in all lands in which ideals of democracy are cherished. ■