88th Annual Assembly of the Congregational Union of England and Wales, City Temple, London (May, 1920)

The 88^th annual assembly of the Congregational Union of England and Wales in 1920 occasioned a talk given by Rev. A.E. Garvie, Principal of New College, London (later part of the University of London’s theology faculty). Garvie reflected on the importance of the Mayflower story and spirit in international relations. As in many speeches on the subject in 1920, the League of Nations featured heavily. Garvie stated that

“I do not want to see a self-enclosed, self-sufficient, and self-assertive British Empire, such as some of our Protectionist Imperialists desire... Neither do I want a union of English-speaking peoples that would be exclusive or aggressive towards other nations and races...”

The speaker was mainly concerned that the Anglo-American relationship should remain strong in service to the League of Nations, which would protect the interests of the world as a whole. David Davies MP moved a resolution urging upon both the Government and all the Congregational ministers the importance of advocating for the League of Nations. In seconding the resolution, Rev. W.B. Selbie warned that if the League of Nations did not become a reality, there would be another war “beside which the horrors of the recent conflict would pale into insignificance”.