AIR SERVICE TO U.S.

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 149, 21 December 1945, Page 9

AIR SERVICE TO U.S.

INITIAL STEPS

THREE-WAY CONTROL

P. A. AUCKLAND, December 20. Subject to concurrence by the United Kingdom, we intend to set up a tripartite commission representing the United Kingdom, Australia, and New Zealand to make the necessary investigations and report to the three Governments on the steps nectessary for the establishment of an air service between Australia, New Zealand, and the United States," said the Minister of Supply (Mr. Sullivan), who returned today by air from Australia. "Nothing can be decided till the commission which will control the service has reported its recommendations to the Governments concerned."

Mr. Sullivan's visit to Australia concerned civil aviation, aspects of trade, and means of alleviating the New Zealand wheat shortage. He was accompanied by Mr. F. R. Picot, Commissioner of Supply; Mr. R: McPherson, Wheat and Flour Controller; Mr. J. J. Johnsen, of* the Customs Department; and Mr. L. C. Webb, Controller of. Stabilisation. They will leave for Wellington by air tomorrow. Asked his view of the prospect of the R.A.F.'Transport Command Pacific service being resumed following requests from Australia and New Zealand, the Minister said there was a big gap at present and every effort had been made to ensure the temporary resumption of the service. Such a service was very costly, however. Australia and New Zealand were now awaiting the British decision. TYRE POSITION DIFFICULT. "The position concerning motor tyres remains very difficult," Mr. Sullivan continued. "There may be some relief, but the position is just as acute in Australia as it is here. The question of further supplies of Australian-made tyres to New Zealand was discussed,, and'we have made our representations. I ,am assured that the Australians Will do whatever they reasonably can and "help us as far as possible. "It does not matter where we try to get tyres, whether it be in the United Kingdom. Canada. Australia, or the United States, the situation remains difficult" he added. "The whole position arises from the rubber shortage, which has not been relieved by synthetic manufacture to a degree enough to affect us."

Discussing tobacco supplies, Mr. Sullivan said there was no shortage of tobacco leaf in New Zealand, but the difficulty was to get it converted into cigarettes. The Minister said he had not yet seen anything of the reported proposal by the Invercargill Returned Services' Association, that recently discharged servicemen should be guaranteed for at least six months after discharge a ■weekly ration of tobacco or cigarettes.