FAITH IN EMPIRE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 30, 6 February 1939, Page 8

FAITH IN EMPIRE

ON ALL SIDES DANGER SIR ABE BAILEY’S VIEWS The following is the full report of an interview given by Sir Abe Bailey, Bart., to the African World on the eve of his departure from London to South Africa.— “Well, I am leaving you, England. Y'ou now see on all sides danger signals, and the tuture is difficult anu anxious. England, you are vulnerable, and an attempt at a knock-out blow below the belt may come from (he air. You were unprepared a few weeks ago and you realise there are many gaps in your defences. But do not be downhearted. The best way to dispel your fears is to conquer them. Have faith in yourself and in your Empire, which is united to-day as it never was before. You have great resources and your aerodromes will take some taking.” Sir Abe recalled that democratic countries must always put theii cards on the table, even though there may be a few knaves among them The dictators, on the other hand, do not put their cards on the table anu therefore one wonders what gaps anu failures they have in their defences and whether, after all, they have a Napoleon among them, and, economically and financially, are they not

marching to a disaster which will not be in the interest of England and the world ? He had noticed that a number ol people are saying that one must not lake too seriously what Herr Hitlci says in "Mein kampf” or in ins speeches, it reminded him of a native going up to a Boer’s house The Boer's dog ran at the native, barking. The Boer shouted, "Don t be afraid! His bark is worse I han his bite." The native replied, "Master, does the dog know it? Sir Abe, however, refuses lo be pessimistic or lo be intimidated. Politicians and statesmen, he thinks, must cultivate imagination. English statesmen, particularly, must be big and help each other, remembering that Englishmen will always rise lo the heights of their responsibilities. "England must not forget that the Union Jack still stands lor much in the world, especially among the small | nations, Colonies Question ' "The question ot the colonics will | be raised, and England must bear in mind that if German South-West and Tanganyika are returned to Germany, not only will South Africa be affected, but Nyasaland, Northern and Southern Rhodesia as well, and it may mean lhe beginning of the break-up of the British Empire. South Africa is the only country that can defend these territories. "The lime has arrived when the Union Jack must say, 'We won't.' Sir Abe attaches great importance to the .co-operation of England and America. These two countries must see to it that their influence in world affairs is not replaced by that o' Germany or any other power. "We must show," Sir Abe said, "I'm'., libcrly is not weakness. We must ask our politicians always to subordinate party politics to national safety. We must have a really national government and plan an Empire council, embracing other nations and creating a really effective League of Nations. Mr. Chamberlain's Mission "Al! lhe signs point to growing despair on the pari 01. the Nazi leaders. Mr. Chamberlain's historic mission to Germany not only saved th-, peace ot Europe, but at the same lime brought home lo the average German citizen the strange feeling that, alter all, Germany was not ringed round by hostile States seeking lo devour her, but that on lhe contrary such a world power as the British Empire is only too anxious to come to a reasonable agreement with its former foe. "Herr Hiller seems to realise tne serious consequences which Mr. 'Chamberlain's mission may have in time for the Nazi regime owing to the growth of this feeling in Germany. The argument he is constant.; using in his speeches at the moment is, 'Ah, yes, Chamberlain may be friendly, but he may be succeeded in office by men like Churchill, DuflCooper and Eden, and therefore you must he prepared to follow me.blindly and bear all the sacrifices on which I insist for your own safety.” "Desperate men arc dangerous and therefore Great Britain must see to it that she is armed, not only with weapons of war, but with that enthusiasm and devotion which in the past made British patriotism a living and irresistible force.”