Holyoake Urged S.A. Policy Changes

Press, Volume C, Issue 29467, 20 March 1961, Page 15

Holyoake Urged S.A. Policy Changes

(Special Crspdt N.Z.P.A.) LONDON, March 17. "A most interesting and stimulating experience.” said the Prime Minister (Mr Holyoake). commenting on his first Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ meeting. ‘‘lt turned out to be fateful one which will undoubtedly have great historic significance It was dominated by the South Africa question and though the issue was a comparatively straightforward constitutional one. the real point was that of racial policy. To the majority of South Africa's critics the apartheid policy seemed totally incompatible with the multiracial character and principles on which the Commonwealth is based. "As New Zealand’s representative. I could not do otherwise than express our staunch adherence to the views which we shared with the majority. I did my best to urge South Africa to give some indication of moderation or modification of racial policy and emphasised the need to avoid an irrevocable break. “I hope and trust that Dr Verwoerd’s decision to withdraw. however regrettable will in the long run strengthen the Commonwealth and enable it to go on expanding and embracing

within its membership new nations of all races as they become independent.” Mr Holyoake said there was a most valuable examination of the problems of disarmament. He had nothing to add to the communique except the fact that the new United States Government had this problem under urgent consideration was taken into account Mr Macmillan would be able to give President Kennedy not only the United Kingdom point of view but that of the diverse group of nations of the Commonwealth. “I was very glad to have the opportunity to discuss the situation in Laos.” Mr Holyoake said “My concern over the dangerous crisis there lies in the fact that two great Powers are virtually confronting each other—each supplying equipment and military assistance to the opposing sides "I felt and still feel that this situation could be more dangerous to world peace even than the Congo, since the local outbreak could rapidly spread to war on a wide scale which could well develop into global conflict “I have great sympathy with the Laotians themselves who appear to be becoming increasingly prepared to consider almost any international solution which will stop the fighting and I did not hesitate to recommend that another attempt should be made to reconvene the International Supervisory Ccmission.

“I hope on my return to New Zealand to give some fuller account of my impressions and of the results of the Prime Ministers' meeting. "I earnestly trust that the time will come when as a result of changed policies it will be possible for South Africa to return to the Commonwealth. Meanwhile, the changing character of our Commonwealth will give it added strength as it increases in numbers "I gave notice to the other Prime Ministers that Samoa will attain independence on January 1, 1962—the next country to do so before another Prime Ministers' meeting is likely to be held. "I expressed the hope that members would continue to regard Western Samoa after its independence as remaining in the Commonwealth until such time as It takes decision on its future association with the Commonwealth "I said that the New Zealand Government proposed to follow United Kingdom precedent in respect of Cyprus and to pass legislation before January 1. 1962. which would enable Western Samoa until its Commonwealth status is finally determined to enjoy the same treatment under New Zealand law as is accorded to member countries of the Commonwealth ” Mr Holyoake said “I also expressed the hope that other Commonwealth Governments would be prepared to make similar arrangements.”