AUSTRALIA AND N.Z.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 81, 5 April 1941, Page 11

AUSTRALIA AND N.Z.

WAR SUPPLY COMMITTEE. (P.A.) WELLINGTON", Friday. An agreement between the New Zealand and Australian Governments to establish a permanent consultative committee was announced l>v the J'rinie Minister, the lit. Hon. I'. I'raser, tonight. Ho sai<l that this arrangement had lirst been discussed with the Hon. C. L. Anthony. ( ommonwealth Minister, who visited New Zealand in February; Details of the proposal were further worked out with him bv the Minister of Supply, the Hon. 1). <i. Sullivan, and the matter was fully approved by tlie War Cabinet. Australia Welcomes Idea, i ' 1 have considered for some time," I said Mr. Fraser. "that it would be most advantageous to both countries in war time, as in peace, if some machinery for regular consultation on matters of common interest could be set up. The questions of the greatest concern at the present time are, of course, those relating to supply and munitions. Mr: Anthony, who warmly welcomed the idea, undertook to place it before his Govornnic.nt on his return. I was informed by the acting-Prime Minister of the Commonwealth. Mr. A. Fadden. a short while aso, that our proposal was fully acceptable, indeed, warmly approved. Exchanges Of Visits. '"It is intended that an inter-govern-inciital committee shall consist of the Ministers of Supply of the respective countries as ficrmanent members, and such other appropriate Ministers as are required from time to time. It is also content plated that meetings shall be held at regular intervals in both countries at times vet to be agreed upon. ."I feel," concluded Mr. Fraser, '"that the establishment of this machinery for

personal consultation between Ministers ie a most important advance in relationship between the two countries, and I am certain that the most valuable results will he obtained not only in matters relating to supply, but in all other problems of common interest. - '