Evening star., 1926-10-24
BRITAIN, In CRISIS, HOPES
FOR AID FROM DOMINIONS
Imperial Conference Will Disappoint
London Ii Trade Boost Does Not
Follow, Says Observer.

| OF giving practical cooperation in the
scheme for state-aided immigration.
There is no talk or thought of po-
| litical conflict between England and
the dominions. The Canadian premier
| had hardly set foot in England before
he ridiculed and repudiated any idea
| that Canada is moving toward absorp-
| ton with the United States.
THE relations of Canada with the
| mother country and other parts of the
empire could not be better than they
are at present" he said. That is true.
no doubt, in its larger aspects of loyal
| ty, but there is certain causes for anX-
! iety in England because of claims for
| equal status and national indepen-
| dence, which will be discussed by
| Canada's S premier and by other do
minions.
Already Canada halls Vincent Mas.
| sey as her Ambassador in Washing
| ton. She has chosen a brilliant per-
sonality who is warmly admired by all
who know his character and ideals.
But that post at Washington may lead
to difficulties and misundersta ndings
with the British Amba ssador unless
there is great tact and good will on
both sides. 1t is an open secret that
Canada is hostile to any interference
from England in her domestic affairs
and fortunes of Canadians shall not be
thrown into any European furnace
without full consideration and consent
of her Parliament and people. l fully
SympathiZe and agree with that point
of view like most other Englishmen,
but it will be difficult to define exactly
where Canada's actions are free and
Independent Of the empires interests
as whole and where England's for
firT ali
Canadian interests and demand Cana.
dian support.
Same Problem Else where.
Exactly the same problems arise re-
garding Australia, New Zealand, South
Africa, Ireland and other dominions.
Sir Austin Chamberlain, represent
ing British foreign policy, will present
report to these premiers from over
seas explaining fully and clearly Great
Britain's responsibilities and pledges in
Europe.
They are guarantees of peace, but
if ever they should be broken by
France or Germany, Great Britain
would be called upon to back her word
by force of arms and all her financial
resources. In that case would Canada
hold aloof? Would Australia say This
is no business of ours?" Would their
Ambassadors or consuls remain in
touch with hostile powers? If that
were to happen Great Britain would
find her family of nations had depart
ed from her. Her own might would
be dethroned. Without her brawny
sons from overseas she would be lonely
and betrayed. In England's mind and
heart that is unthinkable.
To avoid such an historic tragedy
which would end her greatness and
smash these sentimentalities which
alone keep her empire together,
Great Britain is ready to grant all
claims to separate action by her do
minions. provided action is limited to
their own national interests and be-
comes common action with the old
mother country when any part of the
empire or any vital interest of the
British race is threatened by hostile
forces.
Position of Ireland.
Ireland already has representatives
in foreign capitals. 1t is probable
that in the near future Canada, Aus
tralia and other dominions will act as
Seperate nations in all affairs of di-
rect interest to themselves without
recognizing any British authority
except the supreme symbol of the
crown. 1t is bound to come, and this
conference in London will hasten the
coming of complete independence in
government.
England is an old mother who can
not keep her grown-up sons tied to
her apron strings. But what Eng
land expects and has not yet fully
received is the financial and spiritual
support Of these grown-up nations in
her own old age and present stress
of troubles.
That is the moral aspect not fully
realized either in Canada or Aus
tralia. 1t may be urged by Premier
Baldwin and Sir Austen Chamber.
lain, if they speak other words. than
flattery and the homage of an old
country to lusty youth.
(Copyright, 1926)