RISING WORLD TENSION

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29227, 10 June 1960, Page 16

RISING WORLD TENSION

Appraisal By Mr Nash

(New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON, June 9.

“Though I am disappointed at the deterioration that has occurred in recent days in the international field, I am hopeful that common sense and wisdom will ensure a return to the various paths that lead to peace.” said the Prime Minister (Mr Nash) in his annual report presented today to the annual New Zealand Labour Party conference. “No world leader I have spoken to recently desires other than peace and disarmament. That applies to all responsible leaders everywhere and to the people whom they represent. It applies particularly to the Prime Ministers of the Commonwealth with whom I have been conferring in London,” he said. “The task at the moment is to find a way through the difficulties and harsh feelings that have been aroused by the unfortunate incidents that led to the breakdown of the summit meeting. A way has to be found to solve such problems as nuclear testing. the principles of a disarmament agreement, Berlin, the reunification of Germany, the easing of East-West tension, the recognition of Communist China, the easing of tension in South and South-east Asia, and above all some equitable solution of the world’s most pressing economic problems which involve aid to the under-developed countries.”

Four Aims Mr Nash said that the Government’s external policy had been governed by the pursuit of four objectives:— Loyal support for the United Nations; Close collaboration with the United Kingdom and the Commonwealth members; Good-neighbourly policy, specially toward Aslan neighbours. and; Full and friendly co-opera-tion with the United States. “The only possible threat to New Zealand's security can come from Asia and presumably from the spread of Communist power in South-east Asia,” he said. "At the same time we see as a major threat to security, not merely Communist penetration and subversion, but the very conditions which provide fertile soil for such activity. To up in New Zealand who have thrived and prospered because of our emphasis always on economic and social betterment, the Colombo Flan and the United Nations specialised agencies make even more sense than the defensive alliances behind which such schemes can develop in peace and security.’’

Somehow, people with nice faces inspire me with much more confidence than those who I am assured have beautiful minds. One can see their faces—that makes so much difference.—E. F. Benson.