CANBERRA PACT

Greymouth Evening Star, 24 January 1944, Page 6

CANBERRA PACT

LONDON PRESS VIEWS LONDON, January 22. “The Times,” in a leading article on the Australian-New Zealand agreement, applauds the blending of regional with a world outlook in planning for future security. ‘The conference was pervaded by a sense that there exist in the Southwest Pacific groups of peoples to which geography has imparted recognisable common interest and that among these Australia and New Zealand, by their links with the Imperial Commonwealth, their constancy to the ideals for which the was being fought, and their immunity from invasion, are qualified to bear "the highest responsibility for common security and welfare,” says “The Times.” “Australia and New Zealand policy, especially on immigration, will be of immediate importance to India and other Asiatic mainland countries.” Alter commenting that Australian and New Zealand security depends on making an impregnable barrier of the island chain to the north, “The Times” continues: “If that is to be the basis of permanent strategy, farreaching consequences arise. First, an understanding has to be reached for a scheme of common defence with the United States and the Governments of all islands which, when the invader is repelled, will include France, Portugal, and the Netherlands, as well as the Colonial Office. Closely analogous to the problem of defence is communications, including air. On this great issue of the future it is gratifying that the Dominions have agreed on a common policy for their region.” “The Times” comments that participation in plans for common’defence is to acknowledge the need for joint social planning. “If the two Dominions claim to share with the Government at Whitehall responsibilities for tutelage for the colonial territories of the South-west Pacific, they will be in harmony with the prevailing thought on this problem throughout the Empire,” says the article. “They will find a cordial desire in Britain to meet their wishes.”

Discussing the formulation of a future Empire defence 'policy, “The Times” says: “Australia and New I Zealand are compelled and entitled to • rely on support from the Empire, especially Britain. The war has shown i that the traditional system by which i Imperial foreign policy has been, in 'effect, conducted from Whitehall, I supported almost entirely by the British tax-payer, is out-dated and inadequate.” GERMAN OPINION. i LONDON, January 23. I The Wilhelmstrasse interprets the . New Zealand-Australian agreement as ■ “a symptom of the disintegration of : the British Empire.” It points out I that the conclusion of such, an agreeiment by two Dominions is without precedent in the Empire’s history. LABOUR CONFERENCE CANBERRA, January 23. The framework for the formation of a post-war Empire Labour Party . will be built up at Canberra this week i by the Federal executive of the Australian Labour Party. The executive will confer to-morrow with New Zealand Ministers. Mr. Curtin will also attend.

An invitation has been received by the executive from the British Labour Party to send delegates to London later this year. The New Zealand Ministers in Canberra may' decide to send a joint delegation with the Australian Party leaders; I One delegate said: “New Zealand I and. Australia are now coming as j close together as they were when New (Zealand almost entered the Australian federation. Our problems in the Pacific are common ones. The using of party interests in the two Dominions would give the Labour Party a following of more than 2,500,000 . people.”