BRITISH FOREIGN POLICY

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22414, 30 May 1938, Page 10

BRITISH FOREIGN POLICY

ATTITUDE OF NEW ZEALAND QUESTIONS OF HOUSE OF COMMONS LIBERAL MEMBER PRAISES SUPPORT OF LEAGUE (EBOM OUB OWN CORRESPONDENT.) LONDON, April 23. “New Zealand's strong support for the League of Nations’’ was the chief reason which prompted Mr Geoffrey Mander, Liberal member for Wolverhampton, to ask Mr Malcolm Mac Donald, Dominions Secretary, in the House of Commons, “whether he would publish the terms of the communication from the New Zealand Government expressing disagreement with the loreign policy of the British Govern l ment.” “When 1 considered the very admirable document that was presented a year or so ago to the League on its suggested reform showing New Zealand to be 100 per cent, behind the League and Article XVI, and also showing resolute determination to give it every possible support, I found it incredible that the New Zealand Government should now support a policy which, in nny opinion, has abandoned the League for practically all operative purposes,” Mr Mander said in an interview for' New Zealand readers. “Mr Chamberlain made it clear in his speech cf February 22 that Article XVI was to be kept on the statute book but not to be considered effective. I cannot believe that this is the desire of the New Zealand Government. It is important that the opinion of the different Dominions should be made quite clear and that no illusion should be created that everything is all right and that they are behind Mr Chamberlain. “I think the Dominions would render a great service to the cause of the Empire if they made it clear that they remained wholeheartedly behind the League of Nations and the documents on. the reform of the League and were not prepared to see it abandoned.” he said. “The preservation of the British Commonwealth of Nations depends, in my opinion, on the preservation of the League of Nations, and any help that the Dominions can give in maintaining it will be of inestimable value.” Mr Mander said that he had not been in consultation with anyone in New Zealand. Question in House On April 14, two days after Mr Hander's question had been asked, Mr A. Henderson asked Mr Mac Donald whether he had seen a statement by Mr M. J. Savage, Prime Minister, 'commenting upon his reply in the House. Mr Mac Donald said: —I have seen the statement made by the Prime Minister of New Zealand in which he says that an answer which I gave to a question on April 12 does not altogether state the racts. Mr Savage added, “that is, if he had been correctly reported.” I have ascertained that the report of my answer which went to New Zealand and on which Mr Savage based his statement was in fact incomplete and incorrect. I have now received a message from Mr Savage saying that the full report of what I said'removes the misunderstanding and makes it clear that my answer was in accordance with the facts. (Ministerial cheers.) Mr Dalton (Bishop Auckland, Lab.) asked whether it was still the case according to the right hon. gentleman that the New Zealand Government had approved of and were in agreement with the foreign policy of His Majesty’s Government. Mr Mac Donald; I never made any such statement at all. Mr Dalton: Is it not clear that that is the general impression conveyed by the answer of the right hon. gentleman a few days ago? Mr Mac Donald indicated dissent. Mr Mander: Since Mr Savage, in his statement yesterday, said that the New Zealand Government had disagreed with certain phases of British policy, will my right hon. friend say what were the particular points with which, they disagreed? Dominions and the League

Mr Mac Donald: It.would clearly be impossible to make a statement in answer to a supplementary question. I think the House is perfectly well aware of the facts, and has been aware of the facts ever since the New Zealand Government and the other British Commonwealth Governments made their statements regarding the League of Nations as long ago as 1936. (Ministerial cheers.) Mr Mander: As my right hon. friend says that he cannot now, in answer to a question, make a statement, would he take some other opportunity after Easter Of making the position perfectly clear in the interests of this country and of New Zealand?

Mr Mac Donald: My answer the other day was clear, and Mr Savage has agreed that it is in accordance with the facts. (Ministerial cheers.) Mr D.' Grenfell (Gower, Lab.): Is it not also clear from the statement which ths right hon. gentleman has now made that Mr Savage’s statement is equally correct? Mr Mac Donald: I ,do not question for one moment the accuracy of Mr Savage’s statement. Perhaps I might say to the House that Mr Savage, in his message to me, indicated that not only the report of what I said, but, also the report of what he said, was mutilated in transmission to this country. (Ministerial cheers.) Mr A. Henderson: Is it not a fact that the New Zealand Government have disagreed with certain phases of ■the foreign policy of His Majesty’s Government?

Mr Mac Donald; Mr Savage has made a statement on that matter, and I do not in the least disagree with that statement, but I would point out at the same time that the differences which may occur and have occurred from time to time between New Zealand and Ihis country do not alter the correctness of the statement which I made. Mr Dalton: In view of the very unsatisfactory nature of the answer given by the right hon. gentleman, I desire to give notice that I or one of my hon. friends will take an early opportunity of raising this matter when the House resumes.