N.Z. HELP TO BRITAIN

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25161, 17 April 1947, Page 3

N.Z. HELP TO BRITAIN

NEED FOR EMPIRE UNITY ADDRESS BY LONDON BUSINESSMAN An appeal to New Zealand to do everything possible to help Britain, and to work for Empire unity, was made by Mr Sydney Jacobs to a luncheon of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce and the Junior Chamber yesterday. Mr Jacobs, a New Zea-land-born London businessman, represents the chamber and the Associated Chambers of Commerce of New Zealand in London, and is the representative of those bodies on the Federation of Chambers of Commerce of the British Empire. "Within the British Empire there is still a sense of integrity which will give an example to the world, and the British Empire can become the core about which the fabric of the United Nations Organisation can be weaved.” said Mr Jacobs, urging a permanent Imperial Council in London. Sir Joseph Ward had suggested a permanent organisation, but Canada had objected and it had been turned down, he said. Later, Mr John Curtin had brought up the question, but it had not been agreed to. Members of a permanent council should be men' of great practical experience and judicial outlook, he continued. They should be paid so that they Would be free from any political influences, and should work for coordination and co-operation within the Empire. Half the council could travel throughout the Empire to get local colour. Referring to Canada's attitude, Mr Jacobs said he recognised that the country’s proximity to America was a difficult proposition, and he was sorry that Mr Mackenzie King was a "railsitter.” “Markets Should Be Thrown Open” "I wonder if there is the reciprocity being shown to England that is worthy of New Zealand—l think not,” he continued. "The British people gave their all during the war, und Britain wants all the help she can get to assist her in regaining her feet. If the Government and those interested in basic industries feel that Uie industries are sound, what is the best test? I think that instead of prohibitions on imports, the markets should be thrown open. With open markets, industries here would have to stand on their merits, and I think that the importation of certain British g-<ods would be helpful to New Zealand industries. It is a great mistake tc. continue import control during peacej-time.

“The British manufacturer values his New Zealand market, but some manufacturers are wondering whether New Zealand is going to be a temporary or a permanent market. If there is going to be a shortage of goods, you cannqt blame them if they send their goods to the countries which they think are going to be permanent customers.” Mr Jacobs considered that there was no justification for New Zealand currency to be at anything but par with British currency. He realised that it was a deep consideration, but exchange was something that was irritable to Britain, and should be given deep thought. New Zealand’s Problems “I find in New Zealand a great tendency to exaggerate your own problems; but you have not got a great deal to grizzle about,” said the speaker. New Zealand had irritations, bi\t she must learn to live in the mosaic of the world. It was not possible to pursue a policy of isolation. If everyone would try to think internationally rather than nationally or domestically, it would, be a great nelp. . “The British Empire could. I think, set up a code which would be a lead to the world. It must be backed by some spiritual conviction. I believe there was a great hand behind us that helped us to victory in two world wars, and we must be mindful of the blessings given us in this peace. We must make sure that the next economic balance-sheet of the world 11 not written in blood,” he concluded.