Views Of Mr Nash On His 80th Birthday

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29746, 13 February 1962, Page 15

Views Of Mr Nash On His 80th Birthday

(New Zealand Press Association)

WELLINGTON, Feb. -12. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr Nash), who is 80 today, said in an interview he felt “about 60.” Replying to questions in a special interview with a New Zealand Press Association Parliamentary correspondent, he said he would stay in active politics “so long as my health is maintained, the electors so choose, and h is in aceord with the policy of the party to which I belong.” These are the correspondent’s questions and Mr Nash’s replies: How does it feel to be 80? —About 60.

What is your secret for keeping as fit as you do? — Work Nothing else I mean that

Looking back, what do you think was your greaest personal achievement in politics? —That’s difficult to answer. I think the abolition of unemployment and the fact that there is no poverty in New Zealand gives me a greater thrill than anything else. To be spokesman for the Pacific War Council in Washington To introduce the guaranteed price for the dairy industry To work out a system of social security and to pilot the bill through Parliament World Leaders Which of the world leaders yoi worked with impressed you most?—Mr Nehru, who in the face of great difficulties has gradually worked jut forms of government for 400.000.000 people. He impressed me for his objective, clear thinking and statements What do you think has been the major cause of the deterioration in East-West relations since the war?— Ambition lust for power fear and distrust

Do you think this detenora tion could have been avoided? —Yes. partially There is great room at present for a major advance lam certain Mr Khrushchev does not want war But he wants too big a price from the other countries for the agreement he desires.

The United Nations has come in for a lot of criticism lately. As one who was closely associated with its foundation, are you disappointed with its record?—No Some amazing achievements have been recorded. It is still the only body that has the potential to save the world from war and establish progress for the underdeveloped countries. You have a number of friends in South Africa. Do you think there is any possibility of South Africa coming back into the Commonwealth?—No; not under present conditions. Do you think it has been a mistake to keep Communist China out of the United Nations’—Yes; but under present conditions I do not consider the Government of Formosa should be transferred to mainland China. How do you rate S.EATO’s value in keeping the peace? Do you agree with criticism that it is a "paper tiger?”—S.E.A.T.O's value in keeping the peace has been very good. I don’t agree with that criticism. Indonesian Attitude

Are you worried about the current Indonesian attitude to Dutch New Guinea?—Yes Could this present a threat to New Zealand?— Yes. but a distant one, I think. The transfer of the Government of Dutch New Guinea to Indonesia at present would not solve the problem. The only solution is selfgovernment for the whole of New Guinea, with all the interested nations making contributions for the next decade or generation to enable the residents of New Guinea to improve their living standards and establish their own democracy Joining E.E.C.

Are you still optimistic sbout the prospects of Britain joining the Common Market and at the same time safeguarding New Zealand’s interests?—Optimistic is not the right word. I believe the Common Market and many of the principles of the Rome Treaty will ulti-, mately be beneficial to Euro-

pean democratic countries and could lead to better relations and a major equality of status between the Soviet Union and Western Europe Many people seem to think Mr Khrushchev holds the key to the question of war or peace. You had quite long discussions with him during

your Russian visit in 1960 What are your assessments of his strength and his aims? —I believe Mr Khrushchev is still, and will be for some time, the strongest man in the Soviet Union. There may be growing powers and persons with ambitions of endeavouring to displace him.

I don’t think he wants war. He has grave misgivings about Germany and some problems in Russia with production and distribution Suggestions for some sort of economic union between Australia and New Zealand have been revived recently Do you see any advantage in this?—No. The Labour Government completed an arrangement for the readjustment of the Australian currency for import duty assessment purposes which should benefit Australia. But any efforts we make to establish trade in Australia for New Zealand products appears to be frustrated by an acceleration in production in Australia Socialism You recently described yourself as a "conservative socialist.” Does this mean you've moved near the centre or right in politics’—No I still have great faith in the principles of socialism. Its first principle is that the old. the young and the ailing must be cared for and that those engaged in the productions of services for our development should be cared for.

If you had stayed in England do you think you would have been an Attlee. Gaitskell Labour man, a Bevanite, or a Liberal perhaps?— I would have been with Attlee and Gaitskell. Suggestions have been made that it would be a good thing if you could join your old friend Lord Casey as a Commonwealth member of the House of Lords. What do you think of this idea? —Not much. Maybe later. Do you plan to write an It’s too timeconsuming at present.