Menzies “Firm Believer” In International Talks

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28929, 24 June 1959, Page 14

Menzies “Firm Believer” In International Talks

(N.Z Press Association—Copy ng nt)

LONDON, June 22. The Australian Prime Minister (Mr Menzies) said in London tonight that he believed the Geneva Foreign Ministers’ conference had done much in the cause of peace. He added that the Western Ministers’ achievements were “none the less because they had been brutally rejected by the other side." Mr Menzies was speaking at an Australia Day dinner at the Dorchester Hotel, attended by the British Prime Minister (Mr Macmillan), the former Prime Min ister (Earl Attlee), and Sir Winston Churchill, as well as prominent men from the services, politics, and the professions Mr Menzies said the cold war was a struggle for the minds of

men. He hoped international conferences would go on. Referring to the talks he had recently with the West Germar and French leaders, he said “After four hours of talks with Chancellor Adenauer and three hours with President de Gaulle. I more than ever believe in talks and conferences as a means of settling international problems.” Mr Menzies said: “Misapprehensions in the minds of men can only be removed by talks. Average differences vanish when we talk them over. “Let’s talk—l believe more’ firmly than ever before in international conferences" He said that Australia and New Zealand were offshore to scores of millions of uncommitted peoples in Asia, who were slowly up to the light of input by the Foreign MinCy; - -*.? Mt effect-

when they are met by silence or v rejection by the other side.” Mr h Menzies said. n Referring to the United Kingdom. Mr Menzies said he had ( noticed on his present visit t an air of optimism. Although Britain had been battered twice ' in 50 years in the cause of pre- ‘ serving men’s freedom Britain 1 had resumed its position of cour- c age and leadership in the world. ' “Utter Drivel” * Mr Menzies said it was “utter £ drivel” to say that Britain was t finished. “Nothing can persuade me that the United Kingdom is not still one of the world’s great , Powers.” he added. He said a country’s greatness ‘ depended not on numbers, but 5 on its ability for “moral great- ’ ness.” This Britain had. (