GRAVE POSITION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 62, Issue 6, 18 October 1941, Page 3

GRAVE POSITION

EUROPE AND THE PACIFIC. REVIEW BY THE PREMIER. (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Oct. 17. In the House of Representatives this afternoon, the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser), moved the following resolution dealing with the international situation: “The House of Representatives in Parliament assembled records its wholehearted admiration for, and solidarity with, the United Kingdom and the other members of the British Commonwealth and our Allies, Poland, Free France, Norway, Holland, Belgium, Luxembourg, Greece, Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia and particularly at this time the Russian people who are so sorely pressed and are so courageously and tenaciously confronting our common enemy.

“In the name of the people of New Zealand it pledges anew its steadfast devotion to the high ideals for which the freedom-loving nations of the world are fighting, and is resolved to do all that lies in its power to contribute towards the ultimate victory and the attainment of a conclusive, just and lasting peace.”

Mr Fraser said he felt it was unnecessary to add anything to the motion, because he felt it expressed the heartfelt sentiments of the House and the country. The motion was seconded by the Leader of the Opposition (Mr S. G. Holland) and passed. In a valedictory speech at the conclusion of the Session, Mr Fraser emphasised the gravity of the international situation both in Europe and the Pacific, and said that although he did not wish to strike an alarmist or pessimistic note, members would understand they would leave the House not knowing when they would be called back.

Reviewing the Session, Mr Fraser said that Parliament had never met in more serious or critical times. At present Russia was in retreat with Moscow practically in the hands of the enemy and the fate of Leningrad hanging in the balance and the position in the Pacific momentarily becoming more uncertain and critical. He could only pray with everyone else that what had befallen the Mother Country and the nations of Europe would not be the fate of the countries of the Pacific, but if we clid become involved he knew we would stand up courageously. For that reason members must leave the House not knowing when they would be called back. He could assure them that if the situation became more critical they would he summoned at the first moment it was necessary to do so. The country would expect, and it had the right to pect, that the representatives of the people should consult together immediately danger loomed up. Mr Holland supported Mr Fraser’s statement and assured the Prime Minister of the 1 wholehearted co-oper-ation of the Opposition at all times. If there was anything the Opposition could do to help hasten the victory and shorten the war it would be done.