Officer one connects to vague principles (12)

I believe the answer is:

generalities

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'vague principles' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both related to thinking as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps there's a link between them I don't understand?

'officer one connects' is the wordplay.
'officer' becomes 'general' (general officer is a kind of officer).
'one' becomes 'i' (Roman numeral).
'connects' becomes 'ties' ('tie' can be a synonym of 'connect').
'general'+'i'+'ties'='GENERALITIES'

'to' is the link.

Can you help me to learn more?

I've seen this clue in The Daily Express.

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