CATCHING UP WITH DICTATORS

Evening Post, Volume C, Issue 40, 17 February 1942, Page 4

CATCHING UP WITH DICTATORS

The explanation given' by Sir Earle Page of the new scheme for Empire sharing iri war planning indicates that consultation will begin before decisions are made, before even plans are formulated. Liaison officers from the Dominions and also from the Dutch Indies will be able to study the information on which plans are to be based and to supply new facts arid argufherits; This should give a broader foundation of facts and viewpoints for the ultimate decisions to be made by the War Cabinet after it has heard the views of the Dominion representatives. It should avoid the possibility of proposals having to be sent back to the Departments for consideration of new facts set before the War Cabinet by Dominion Ministers. It should assure for decisions complete support because all the parties concerned have shared in the responsibility of studying the issues. The oniy question that may be raised is: Will the new scheme make for speed in decision? We recalled recently that Mr. Churchill, i while admitting that new complexities must be faced in plans for sharing responsibility stressed the need for keeping the responsibility in as few hands as possible. The dictatorships have this advantage. They act without consulting others. Democracy is handicapped because it cannot proceed dictatorially. Moreover, while the Axis has the initiative and works according to a long-laid plan, the democracies must be ready to think arid act iriore quickly than ever so as to counter that plan as it is revealed in action. New Zealand, we feel, will recognise that democratic speed is now vital, and that the simplest plan of consultation is the best if it makes for quick action.