THE EMPIRE SPIRIT

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 125, 20 February 1935, Page 8

THE EMPIRE SPIRIT

Two Aspects of Standing Shoulder to Shoulder

PARTNERS IN TRADE AS WELL AS IN WAR

(By Recokdee.)

Astonishment was registered on many faces in the House of Representatives yesterday afternoon when the Prime Minister, Rt. Hon. G. AV. Forbes, gravely announced that he wished to make a statement on international affairs. Even Ministerial colleagues on the front benches, quick as startled deer scenting danger or something unusual, sat up and took notice. Was some European dictator trailing his coat? Was peace threatened? Had New Zealand suddenly been called upon to declare her policy and develop her defence system? These were among the questions that leaped in many minds. Surprise gave way to relief as Mr. Forbes, reading a thesis on world politics, revealed that his purpose was to review international movements for peace since the Treaty of Versailles in 1919. There was a general smile of agreement when the Prime Minister explained that “it would be absurd to suggest that this small and remote Dominion plays any decisive part in world politics,” but again ' listeners wondered why he should add that the times called for the efforts of all well disposed peoples, and “perhaps the weight even of New Zealand might conceivably turn an evenly balanced scale.” What is being weighed in the balance now? Reasons for the Statement.

After the statement had beeii read to an attentive House with the Opposition particularly listening with all Its ears, there was keen speculation in the lobbies about the Ministerial reasons for the unusual document, which is to be printed as a Parliamentary paper and probably made the subject of a special debate. As an informative record. the statement was hailed as being both welcome and useful, but why was it made out of a clear- sky? No one could give a conclusive answer, and Ministers th.emse.lves, when questioned, were content with saying that there was no special significance in or behind the statement, and certainly nothing about a bhreat of war. If, as suggested by several commentators, the British Government had invited the New Zealand authorities to make a declaration of the Dominion’s policy as regards armaments, the proposed air agreement between the Locarno Treaty Powers, and the obligations involved in making guarantees for the preservation of peace in Europe, then the answer from this “small and remote Dominion” was definite and complete. Mr. Forbes dispelled all doubt as to New Zealand’s position and obligations. Whatever the real reason for the statement (and everybody persisted in saying that there must have been a good one), it can be said that Mr. Forbes raised a fast war hare for the no-more-war hdunds.

The Meat Problem. One wonders iff I lie Minister or Ministers certain to visit London in May for Royal celebrations and informal conferences on Empire affairs feel' equally confident that Great Britain will stand shoulder to shoulder with New Zealand as regards the meat problem. If a candid Ministerial statement were to be made about the British Government’s proposed long-term- agreement in respect of meat from the Dominions, it would be shown that the New Zealand Government does not appreciate the tentative terms, involving a levy of a halfpenny a pound on all meat imported from the Dominions and one penny a pound on foreign meat, together with the right to impose some restriction, if considered necessary. The proposal is viewed so seriously in Parliament House Khat it is surprising Ministers have been able to keep so quiet about their dislike of the British proposal. Australia has not hesitated to shout its protest from the housetops. Perhaps the New Zealand delegation to the King’s silver jubilee celebration and conferences in London will speak vigorously at the round table. Mr. Forbes asserted yesterday, when discussing the obligations involved in maintaining the peace of Europe, that “any catastrophe that affects Great Britain must inevitably effect New Zealand also, bound up as we are in the welfare of the Old Country.” Many farmers and others in this country would be delighted if the Prime Minister could convince the British authorities that any economic catastrophe that affects New Zealand must inevitably affect Great Britain also. This aspect of the standing shoulder-to-shoulder policy will be discussed when the House debates the Government’s policy in respect of legs of mutton and shoulders of beef.

Paying the Levy. Those who are taking a close interest in the export meat problem have raised an interesting question about the payment of the proposed British levy on New Zealand and other imported meat. Must the producers pay in order ro help the British farmer in time of stress? It is pointed out that in the ordinary processes of imposing levies or duties the extra charge or im.po.si tion is passed on ultimately to the consumer As far as is known this will not be the process in respect of the British levy on meat from the Dominions and foreign countries It is one of the questions that will have to be discussed nt the London conferences in May ami June Who is likely to represent New Zealand? Most people are taking It for granted that only rhe Prime Minister will go. because on great occasions in London the British Government expects the JJominions to be represented by their administrative leaders. This does not mean, of course, that only Prime Ministers should attend On this occasion it may lie noted that a conference of Prime Ministers has not been called. The invitation apparently is not strictly limited. It has been reported that Australia is sending three Ministers of the Crown ns the accredited delegates to vital conferences» while two other members of the Commonwealth Government will be in London at tile same time, their wisdom available, if necessary. Who will keep the bridge with Mr.' Forbes, if he goes? It is unlikely that an official announcement will be made before the end of the session or thereabouts hut it wil, be surprising if the Prime Minister travels alone, if he travels at all.