Wairarapa Times-Age SATURDAY, JULY 3, 1943. THE INTERDEPENDENCE OF NATIONS.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 July 1943, Page 2

Wairarapa Times-Age SATURDAY, JULY 3, 1943. THE INTERDEPENDENCE OF NATIONS.

“THE lesson of the twentieth century is the utter interdependence of all nations,” the British Foreign Secretary (Mr Anthony Eden) is reported to have declared in a speech at the 25th anniversary reception of the English-speaking Union, 1’ i Eden also affirmed his belief that hopes of enduiing Aug oAinerican understanding were more promising today than they had ever been. It must be hoped that he is right, for it is not iu doubt that dark prospects will, be opened for all. humanity if the British Empire and the United States fad again, as they failed after the last war, to remain united, after victory has been won, in understanding and in a readiness to act together for all good ends.

There is not and it may be hoped never will be any question of the British family of nations and the United States combining in a narrowly exclusive alliance. Their opportunity is that 01. giving a powerful lead towards the development ol a woi Ifl m which, as Mr Churchill said in a truly great speech at the Guildhall this week, all branches of the human family could look forward to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The danger by which they are faced is that, by failing to work loyally together for the establishment of world security, they may fatally and irrevocably undermine theii own security. The countries of the British Empire and the United States are of one mind in their determination to ensure the decisive victory of the United Nations and the unconditional surrender of our enemies in Europe and in Asia. Hooking beyond the horizon of the war, it is a matter of common sense to recognise that there are elements in both the English-speaking nations which stand and will stand opposed to the only policy—that of liberal and far-reaching co-operation with all nations peacefully inclined and a stern repression, by force it need be, 01. any new attempt at aggression—which can make lor future security.

If the lessons of this war and those of the last war are taken wisely to heart, these dements of weakness and retrogression, as well as the enemies to whom our nations stand immediately opposed, will be overcome. It cannot be recognised too clearly, however, that great, persistent and resolute efforts will be needed after the war, and that these efforts will be demanded of none more definitely and insistently.' than of the English-speaking nations, if there is to be any hope of establishing world peace on lasting’ foundations.