DOMINION MINISTERS

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 November 1939, Page 7

DOMINION MINISTERS

COMPREHENSIVE TALKS

SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION

[BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.]

1 RUGBY, November 17.

The Dominions Secretary (Mr Eden) the visiting Ministers from the Dominions, and the . representatives of the Indian Government, to-day addressed' a meeting of international journalists.

Mr Eden said the discussions had covered the whole strategical, economic, and financial field of common effort. They had resulted in all contributing much valuable knowledgeFull assurance had been given of a spirit of co-operatioh, and that the resources of India and the Dominions would be used in the most, effective and’ economical manner. Great as had been the result of such co-operation in 1914, they would be far greater now that the Dominions'were more widely developed and industrialised; and the contribution of material would be in a measure and at a rate many times greater. Mr Eden mentioned as an example the great Empire air training plan to be carried out in Canada, describing it as unique. The visiting Ministers had heavy departmental duties in their own countries which would necessitate their early return, but certain experts brought to Britain would stay for as long as was necessary. Mr Crerar (Canada) said Canada had entered the war free of constraint anff by the practically, unanimous decision of the Canadian Parliament. There was a natural desire to stand at. Britain’s side; but also the pioneering spirit and the consequent love of freedom; liberty and' the individual’s right to live his own life, were still strong in Canada. “If the philosophy of National Socialist Germany triumphs in Europe we realise that sooner or later its shadow will be thrown across our Dominion,” he said. Mr Casey said the Australian Government had sent him to find out how the greatest assistance could be given to the common cau,se. German wireless propaganda had been engaged’ in an effort to discount the probability of active participation in the war by the Dominions. “Do not be misled by this,” he said. “Australia and the rest of the Empire will pull their full weight.” The ultimate issue was not in doubt, for neither Britain nor Australia had 1 anything to gain except continued freedom, and that was not going to be lost. Mr Casey spoke enthusiastically of the French determination. He concluded: “I do not underestimate Germany, but she cannot stand up to the might of the Allies, who have right and the best interests of mankind on their side.” MR FRASER’S SPEECH. Speaking on behalf of New Zealand, Mr Fraser said the object of his visit had been achieved and would be of the utmost assistance in the measures New Zealand was taking, to play her full part in the provision of both men and supplies.

Speaking of his. country’s attitude to the struggle, Mr Fraser said,:,‘/"We are fully at one with the people of the United Kingdom and the other Dominions and France in our determination—which we arrived at with the greatest reluctance and regret—after a long period' of intolerable aggression. It becomes unquestionably necessary to take a stand once and for air against the ruthless application of force in international relations and the cruel persecution of peoples who are unable to protect themselves. “We could take no other course if democracy and civilisation are tc survive, or, indeed, if human decency is to prevail in the world,” said Mr Fraser.

Colonel Denys Reitz said that some irresolution among the Dutchspeaking South Africans had been noticeable on the outbreak of war but, as spectacular electoral assurances, within the last few days showed, the whole country was now rallying to General Smuts.

After describing the scope of the discussions and the complete agreement reached at the meetings with the Imperial Government Ministers Colonel Reitz spoke of the visit to France, saying: “I do not believe 10,000,000 Germans could break the Maginot Line or break the British front.”

Sir Muhammad Zafarullah . Khan said that whatever differences there might be, India, like all other parts of the Empire, was determined to fight Nazi aggression and bluster. Mr Eden, broadcasting to France, paid a glowing tribute to the AngloFrench preparations on the Western front. He said: “France has placed all civilisation in her debt by her sacrifices, her patience, and the thoroughness with which she has completed impregnable defences.’