Question

read the passage, then answer the question that follows.
i cannot look forward without dread to handing over the security and existence of this great empire to the hands of those who have made common cause with its enemies, who have charged their own countrymen with methods of barbarism, and who apparently have been untouched by that pervading sentiment which i found everywhere where the british flag floats, and which has done so much in recent years to draw us together. i should not require to go to south africa in order to be convinced that this feeling has obtained deep hold on the minds and hearts of our children beyond the seas.
—\i believe in a british empire,\ joseph chamberlain
which statement best summarizes the claim of the passage?
○ great britain must not elect officials who would abandon any part of the empire.
○ great britain should allow south africa home rule.
○ great britain should dread threats to its security from the barbarism in the colonies.
○ great britain must begin decolonization immediately.

Explanation:

The passage shows the author's dread of handing over the empire to those who allied with enemies or criticized their countrymen. Option A says Britain must not elect officials who would abandon parts of the empire, which aligns with the author's concern about preserving the empire. Option B (allow South Africa home rule) and D (begin decolonization) go against the author's pro - empire stance. Option C misinterprets the "barbarism" charge as about colonials, but it's about those criticizing their own countrymen.

Answer:

A. Great Britain must not elect officials who would abandon any part of the empire.