ANZUS PACT TALKS

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27064, 12 June 1953, Page 9

ANZUS PACT TALKS

British Role To Be Clarified (NJZ. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 8 pan.) LONDON, June 11. Talks among the Prime Ministers of the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand at No. 10 Downing Street are expected to clarify Britain’s role in the future military direction of Pacific defence. The talks began yesterday and will continue today. It is believed that by a thorough discussion of current and future defence problems and a round-table explanation of the exact functions of the Anzus Pact, the talks will dispel the resentment which Britain expressed earlier at her exclusion from the pact. The talks embrace an examination of a possible five-Power arrangement for the Pacific area, which would include Britain and France as well as New Zealand, Australia and the United States. Informed sources say Australia and New Zealand are certainly anxious to retain the Anzus Pact in whatever form of Pacific alliance that might be developed in tfiS-future. Australia is especially insistent that the Anzus guarantee of American aid in the event of aggression is an essential part of Australia’s strategic and political future. Observers think that the three statesmen may also have discussed Anzam—a suggested arrangement for defence consultations covering Australia, New Zealand and Malaya. Britain was excluded from Anzus because it was argued that if she were admitted other nations might also claim inclusion. Anzam, originally an Australian conception, visualises consultations between Britain, Australia, and New Zealand at the Chiefs of Staff level on defensive plans for the Australian. New Zealand and Malayan regions. It would ensure regular discussions in Melbourne between higher defence representatives of the three Cpmmonwealth Powers. A carefully-worded communique was issued after the meeting yesterday. It said that the Prime Ministers had the Chiefs of Staff in attendance, and that defence questions of common concern to the United Kingdom, Australia and New Zealand were discussed. It was agreed that one of the United Kingdom Chiefs of Staff should visit the two Dominions later in the year for discussions with the Australian and New Zealand military authorities. No indication was given of who will visit the Dominions,, but it may be the First Sea Lord (Admiral Sir Rhoderick McGrigor).