WHY NOT TELL THE PEOPLE?

Evening Post, Volume CXL, Issue 150, 22 December 1945, Page 6

WHY NOT TELL THE PEOPLE?

On his return from Australia, where he has been discussing common problems with members of the Australian Government, the Minister of Supply stated that one of the matters dealt with was the future of international trade in the light of the recent AngloAmerican agreement. "Part of the time," said Mr. Sullivan. "I was engaged in discussions with Mr. Chifley and his officers on the clarification of the Australian and New Zealand attitude to the American proposals. Agreement was reached on the foundation questions and a degree of common understanding was achieved." As a contribution to an understanding on the part of the public of the policy which the New Zealand Government is following, the statement was vague and unenlightening. If it has been possible for Mr. Sullivan to reach "a degree of common understanding" with Mr. Chifley, it may be presumed that the Government has a definite policy on international trade and the possible effects of the Washington agreement. Why, then, has the Government made no move to convey that policy to the public? The only official comment on the Washington agreement has come from Mr. Nash, but his statement was in most general and guarded terms. The Minister certainly said nothing which enabled the public to form any estimate of the Government's mind on issues which are of vital concern to everybody. Now Mr. Sullivan has been equally non-committal. If, as Mr. Sullivan has suggested, there are to be furtlTer talks between the New Zealand and Australian Governments, the public are entitled to know on what basis the negotiations will be conducted. The Government's attitude on this matter is but one more example of its unwillingness to take the public into its confidence.