“WITHIN THEIR RIGHTS"

Evening Star, Issue 23146, 21 December 1938, Page 14

“WITHIN THEIR RIGHTS"

BRITISH INDUSTRIALISTS' STATEMENT lEFERENGE TO NEW ZEALAND IN COMMONS (Independent Cable Service.) frees Association—By Telegraph—Copyright LONDON, December 20. (Received December 21, at 11 a.m.) In the House of Commons, Mr Malcolm MacDonald, asked whether he consideredi the recent Federation of British Industries statement prejudicial to relations between Britain and New Zealand and whether it was likely to accelerate the process of disintegration of which the Minister himself had spoken, replied that the authors of the statement were within their rights in expressing their views. There were certain agreements between Britain and (New Zealand. “I am sure the New Zealand Government is just as anxious as we are to pursue these matters in mutual co- ■ operation,” he said. “ I have no doubt that frankness on both sides will forward that spirit.” FURTHER QUESTIONS LONDON, December 20. December 21, at 1.45 p.m.) In reply to the Rev. R. Sorensen in the House of Commons, Mr MacDonald said he had received no communication from the New Zealand Government relating to the Federation of British Industries’ letter. The Rev. R. Sorensen-. Does Mr MacDonald a*gree with the sentiments expressed in the letter ? Mr MacDonald: I have not said anything of the sort. I did not intend to imply it. He added that he agreed that New Zealand had the right to conduct trading in its own way without interference by anyone in England. Mr Arthur Henderson: Does Mr MacDonald, on behalf of the Government, express disapproval at any attempt by financial quarters here to bring pressure to bear on the New Zealand Government because they do not agree with JNew Zealand’s economic policy? Mr MacDonald: I think the New Zealand Government is capable of looking >fter itself. (Cheers.)