PEACE TREATY WITH JAPAN

Press, Volume LXXXIII, Issue 25282, 6 September 1947, Page 2

PEACE TREATY WITH JAPAN

“FRIENDLY” EMPIRE CONFERENCE MR FRASER RETURNS FROM CANBERRA <P.A.) AUCKLAND, Sept. 5. “I have never attended an international conference pervaded by a more friendly spirit,” said the Prime Minister (Mr P. Fraser) on his return by flying-boat after attending the conference at Canberra of the British Commonwealth Governments on the Japanese peace treaty. “The meeting was in every sense a family gathering, and it was a most encouraging and inspiring occasion.” The Prime Minister felt certain that the British Commonwealth delegations would be able to make a much more valuable contribution to the success of the final conference than would otherwise have been the case. Mr Fraser said the constructive and responsible attitude of delegations was caused in a large measure by the fact that the countries represented had taken an active part in the Allied effort, which defeated Japan. Each was fully conscious of the need to share in the enforcement of measures which would be incorporated in the treaty to keep Japan disarmed “Points of difference were very few,” he said. “It was clear that a very close correspondence of outlook on various aspects of the occupation and the current situation in Japan, as well as the peace treaty, exists among members of the Commonwealth. New Zealand interest in the settlement was primarily one of security, and the New Zealand delegation had this interest firmly in mind. At the same time, we were very conscious of the fact that to deprive Japan of the power of aggression was only one half of our purpose, and that if we are to gain longterm security the Japanese must be encouraged to develop along peaceful and democratic lines. It is necessary to remove the Japanese means of waging war, but of even more importance is the necessity for removing the will to wage war.” Economy of Country It was clear that Japan’s economy must be sufficient to maintain her. “Obviously the positive side of the peace settlement is largely one for the Japanese to work out themselves,” Mr Fraser said. “The immediate concern of the peace treaty is to ensure that the demilitarisation of Japan is maintained, and it is evident that some form of effective post-treaty supervision will be required.” Mr Fraser said an opportunity would be taken as soon as possible to discuss in Parliament the issues of the peace settlement as they now presented themselves, and to present to Parliament a statement of policy which might guide the New Zealand delegation which would share with the other Pacific belligerent nations the task of drafting the treaty.