Labour and the Empire

Excerpt from Labour and the Empire

Labour Party with this book. The Labour Party has as yet sanctioned no Imperial policy, though in its affiliation with the International Committee, its attitude during the South African War, and its support of my intervention on the Natal rebellion, it has clearly indicated its sympathies and the political axioms which it would lay down as the basis of such a policy. At any rate, all I can say is, that it seems to me that in general outline my conclusions are those which the Labour Party ought to adopt if it is to be consistent with the principles of its domestic politics. I have not discussed such questions as what is a fair contribution from the Colonies to the Imperial Defence forces. These matters cannot be settled until we know what our conception of Empire is and how it is to be organised. On this point the Colonies think one thing and the Mother Country another, and words are used by Imperialists on both sides, either in igno rance or dishonesty, for the purpose of cloaking these differences and of creating a sentiment which will be useful for partisan purposes, and which does not correspond to the facts of our Imperial relationships.