N.Z. ‘Must Learn To Understand Asia’

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30687, 1 March 1965, Page 17

N.Z. ‘Must Learn To Understand Asia’

(N.Z. Frets Association) AUCKLAND, Feb. 28. The future of Australia and New Zealand would be determined largely by how the two countries managed their relationships with Asian countries, the High Commissioner for Australia (Dr. D. A. Cameron) said in Auckland. “Some great powers are emerging in Asia,” said Dr. Cameron. “Their thoughts and philosophies are bound to be unsettled and if we are to conduct satisfactory relations with them we must understand their problems.” Dr. Cameron said the force of nationalism had been newly expressed in post-war years. “This is an explosive force, and some of these Asian powers, especially where communism is involved, may not be friendly toward us,” he said.

"Communism is not the cause of all unfriendliness, but that system will seize an opportunity wherever it can in

poverty stricken countries and where the individual is suppressed.” He said relationships with these countries called for immense tact, patience and understanding. The management and conduct of affairs in Asia were matters not only for Governments, but for individuals.

Dr Cameron was opening the district Rotary conference. Rotary was able to play a large part because one of its objects was peace, he said. “Peace is something positive—where an individual is free to exercise his rights and to recognise and carry out his duties.”

Dr. Cameron said Rotary had done a great deal for human betterment and international good will. Dr. Cameron also reminded the Rotarians of the changes taking place in the islands of the South Pacific.

“Newly independent Governments in the islands bring difficulties with them,” he said.

In 1962-63, Australia exported £335 million worth of goods to Asian countries and £ll million to the islands.

In the same period, Australia imported £l6l million worth from Asia and £9 million from the islands.

“Nearly one-third of our exports went to Asia and the Pacific and nearly one-fifth of

our imports came from the same areas,” said Dr. Cameron. It was obvious that Asia and the Pacific Islands played a large part in the economies of Australia and New Zealand.

The Rotary movement was still on the frontiers of its opportunities and responsibilities, Mr Kiyoshi Togasaki, of Japan, the second vicepresident of Rotary International, told the conference. New Zealand, he said, had the greatest number of Rotarians per capita and a reputation which was known throughout the world. “New Zealand set us an example in Japan, and Rotary caught the imagination there like no other organisation ever before,” Mr Togasaki said. Mr Togasaki said there were now 11,901 Rotary clubs in 127 countries in the world.