MR. FRASER IN GREAT BRITAIN

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 228, 23 June 1941, Page 8

MR. FRASER IN GREAT BRITAIN

Consultation With Government And War Cabinet MESSAGE FROM NEW ZEALAND Admiration Of Courage Of English People

(Received June 22, 8.5 p.m.) LONDON. June 22. The New Zealand Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, arrived in Britain for consultation with the British Government on Friday and reached London on Saturday. , .Many New Zealanders and personal friends were on the platform at Waterloo Station to meet the Prime Minister. They included the Lord Privy Seal and Leader of the Parliamentary Labour Party. Mr. Attlee. Mr. Fraser immediately went to the Ministry of Information where, according to the well-established custom-for distinguished visitors, he attended a Press coifference of British, allied and neutral newspapci correspondents. A large New Zealand flag was draped over the entrance to the Ministry. A Home Guard unit provided a guard of honour. Hundreds of typists leaned out of the surrounding tiers of windows to see and cheer the visitor. The Prime Minister said there was no doubt the conversations he would have would at least be beneficial to New Zealand. He was glad he was in England, which from the air never appeared more pleasant. It was pleasant despite the German abominations. It would be more pleasant for the people of Britain and the world when the German tyranny was overthrown.

In a statement on landing Mr. Fraser said he brought a message of appreciation and admiration lot the struggle of the people of Britain and for. the courage, endurance, and indomitable spirit they were showing in the forefront of the battle for freedom. ‘•New Zealand is behind the Mother Country till victory is achieved,” he said. Tli-e Secretary of State for the Dominions, Lord Cranborne, met Mr. Eraser, and said he believed that the result of the conversations would be a contribution of immense value to the Empire’s war effort. Mr. Fraser was accompanied by Mr. C. A. Berendsen, Permanent Head of the Prime Minister’s Department. Mr. Fraser looked brown and tit after his Middle East tour when he arrived by air. In addition to Lord Cranborne, he was welcomed by the High Commissioner for New Zealand, Mr. Jordan, Lieut.-Colonel Sir Francis Shelmerdine, Director of Civil Aviation; and his brother. Mr. W. I'. Fraser. Visitor Applauded. A large crowd at the quay warmly applauded the visitors when it discovered their identity. Lord Cranborne welcomed Mr. Eraser not only for himself, but as the representative of New Zealand. He added that lie was glad to see Mr. Fraser safe after his long and adventurous journey and was looking forward to consultations with Mr. Fraser, which would be a contribution of immense value to the Empire war effort. Mr. Jordan said Mr. Fraser would be as welcome in England as in the Middle East. Mr. Fraser thanked the people of Britain for their kindness to men of the New Zealand Forces iu Britain. They had been given the feeling that the British Commonwealth, their own Dominion, and the Empire’s cause are worth working and fighting for. Mr. Fraser stayed the night with laird Cranborne and proceeded to London on Saturday. The aeroplane in which Mr. Fraser travelled from Lisbon was commanded by a Canadian, Captain W. S. May. The first officer was an Australian, F. A. Rowe. The flight engineer was a New Zealander, G. G. Lambert. WELCOME BY PRESS Mission Of Mr. Fraser TRIBUTE BY “TIMES” (Received June 22, 7.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 21. In a leading article on the arrival of Mr. Fraser/ “The Times” says: “It is fitting that Mr. Fraser's arrival should follow so closely Mr. Menzies’s departure. He, like his Australian colleague, is certain to be an invigorating influence in the War Cabinet and in the country. He brings New Zealand’s assurance of full co-operation in the common effort. “Of all the British countries New Zealand claims proudly to have remained the most British in spirit and sympathy. Mr. Fraser heads a Labour Government—he succeeded Mr. Savage. the (the leader prints the word in italics) most popular of all New Zealand Prime Ministers, as leader of tlie party and of the Government—but as far as the war is concerned party labels become meaningless. Every. New 1 Zealander is determined to see the war ' through to a finish and is determined that nothing shall be left undone to further the great cause £or which we ' are fighting." Reconstructing War Cabinet,

The reconstruction o£ the War Cabinet is being anxiously discussed in London in influential circles, and important decisions are expected, says ihe political correspondent of the "Daily .Mail.” The Canadian, General McNaughton, and the - Secretary of State for War, Mr. Margesson, are bracketed as others capable of relieving the Prime Minister. Mr. Churchill, of the heavy responsibilities of Minister of Defence. Persistent support continues for the return of Mr. .Menzies. It is believed that any political difficulties about Mr. Menzies's departure from Australia could be overcome.

Mr. Churchill may delay reconstruction of the Cabinet till an opportunity is provided for the assembly of rhe Dominion Prime Ministers in Loudon. plans for which are still tentative, a)though Mr. Fraser’s arrival may lead to other Prime Ministers following him. "The Times" pays a tribute to the Part New Zealanders are playing and have played in Libya, Greece and Crete and also of those serving in the Royal Air Force, It recalls the exploits of H.M.S. Achilles, and adds that Mr. Fraser has arrived at a time when Britain fully recognizes the value of the Dominion's sacrifices.

British By-Election. Captain S. Wingfield Digby i Con servative) has been returned unopposed for the West Dorset division. The vacancy was caused by the resignation of Sir Philip Colfox.