OBJECTION TO “ EMPIRE ”

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21222, 19 September 1940, Page 6

OBJECTION TO “ EMPIRE ”

Mr Frank Milner, a noted thinker and speaker, has drawn attention to the practice of some politicians in Parliament of scrupulously refraining from the use of the word “ Empire ” in connection with New Zealand’s status and substituting the words “ part of the British Commonwealth of Nations.” The fact may not be of particular moment, but it is indicative of a certain line of thinking and of a certain attitude towards the relationships of the Empire peoples. It is obvious that the word Empire is distasteful to some politicians, though why it should be so it is difficult to understand. It may be pure pedantry, for under the Statute of Westminster it is true that the British Dominions are free to control themselves and have no special ties binding them to the Empire. Therefore “ British Commonwealth of Nations ” may be the more accurate description, but it is at least euphonious, and to the average Briton “ Empire ” serves the purpose adequately and certainly conjures up no sense of thraldom or unwelcome domination. New Zealand as an

“ Empire ” country is no more sensible of restraint or compulsion than as a “ part of the British Commonwealth of Nations.” No stigma need or should therefore be attached to the designation “ Empire ”in the minds of the rising generation. Yet it is patent that to some minds the word conveys a sinister meaning because their thoughts have run on false lines or because they are sticklers for literal meanings.

Whether the Statute of Westminster was a wise enactment may be open to argument, but it is at least certain that when the political bondsHvere severed there was no thought of danger that the Empire countries would drift apart. The ties that were cut actually meant nothing. What does matter is that in blood and sentiment and in economic advantage there are bonds among the Empire countries that can never be broken without infinite harm being done. Whether political freedom is given or not, no Briton wishes to see the Empire family rent asunder. Let it be called Empire or Commonwealth of Nations, but let not sinister intent be ascribed to the use of either name. The mental picture presented by the term is more important than the literal meaning. There is no need to build on Empire and arrive at imperialism, imperious and so on. Mr Milner’s plaint may not be seriously disturbing but it is at least worth a thought.