MR NASH BACK FROM U.S.

Press, Volume XCVII, Issue 28748, 20 November 1958, Page 14

MR NASH BACK FROM U.S.

China “Ought To Be Recognised”

(New Zealand Press Association) AUCKLAND. Nov. 19.

The Prime Minister (Mr Nash) flew into Whenuapai tonight after attending a policy conference of the Colombo Plan consultative committee at Seattle. Delayed more than five hours in Honolulu by a fault in an oil pressure gauge of the Qantas airliner that was flying him to Nandi, Mr Nash was in a typical bustle as he hustled off the T.E.A.L. DC-6 aircraft that brought him from Fiji. After greeting the Minister of Internal Affairs (Mr Anderton) and airport officials, Mr Nash hurried to a waiting toll call to tell Mrs Nash, in Wellington, that he would be home “some time after midnight.” Then he turned to give hurried press and radio interviews.

Had he any firm statement to make on the possible recognition of Communist China, he was asked.

“All I said overseas was that the Chinese mainland Government ought to be recognised,” said Mr Nash. “It was nothing more than I have already said before in New Zealand. Of course. I have been able to get a fair amount of material relating to the matter, and the implications behind the move during my talks in Seattle and with Mr Dulles. There is nothing more to add at the present.” Colombo Plan Advance

Had the Colombo Plan conference resulted in any new policies?

"Not really,’’ Mr Nash replied. “The most important thing was that we now have the United States in the scheme. Although this is the first time they have actually entered the scheme, they have already done more than any other country in rendering technical assistance in South-east Asia. The fact that America is now in the scheme as a full member is the biggest advance yet made in the Colombo Plan.”

Were any special measures suggested to help Colombo Plan countries over the difficult trade period they have been experiencing 9

"Most of them have had a difficult time with their trade over the last 12 months.” said Mr Nash “It looks as if they are now coming out of it. They have had their difficulties, just as we have.” Underwater Cable

Speaking of his impressions of the operation of the underwater power cable to Vancouver Island, w’hich he inspected as a “side trip," Mr Nash said: “I spent a whole day at Vancouver. We flew over the cable route, then later saw films and had a talk at the British Columbia Electricity Com-, mission It is operating very successfully. They have not found any flaw in it yet. It has been ! going since 1956.” Mr Nash added that his wife had asked him on the telephone if he was going out tonight. ‘I told her I was coming home,” he said “She seemed surprised.” Exactly 40 minutes after he left his T.E.A.L. aircraft, Mr Nash was on his way to Paraparaumu in a Dakota of No 42 Squadron

The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Holyoake), accompanied by Mr J K McAlpine MP. and Mr W. H Gillespie. M.P.. visited Addington Market yesterday morning He watched several sales in progress and talked briefly with farmers.