Visit By Mr Krupp

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28531, 10 March 1958, Page 8

Visit By Mr Krupp

As New Zealand is in normal and cordial diplomatic and commercial relations with Western Germany, there is no reason for refusing any German the normal courtesies extended to visitors. Why some New Zealand trade unionists should wish to prevent the visit of the German industrialist, Mr Alfred Krupp, is difficult to understand. Yet they have chosen to follow the illogical example of some of their Australian colleagues in condemning the visit rather than the example of the Prime Minister, Mr Nash, who has given an assurance that no difficulties will be placed in the way of Mr Krupp’s obtaining a visa for New Zealand. Because he was convicted as a war criminal at Nuremberg (his sentence of 12 years’ imprisonment was commuted in 1951), Mr Krupp is unlikely to receive an enthusiastic welcome in New Zealand. Yet New Zealand cannot afford to ignore the powerful combine of industries Mr Krupp directs. Indeed, the greater danger is that Mr Krupp can afford to Ignore New Zealand. He has said that he is not planning any immediate investment in the countries he is visiting; but it is probable that he is inspecting the prospects of trading and investment in both Australia and New Zealand. New industries, employing more labour and adding to New Zealand’s prosperity, and financed by German capital, would be very welcome. Trade unionists do New Zealand

a disservice by jeopardising such developments by a display of bad manners. Instead of seeking to prevent a visitor from entering New Zealand, they would be better employed in seeking the unrestricted right for any man to go at will anywhere in the world upon his lawful business.