MR. SULLIVAN'S RETURN

Greymouth Evening Star, 21 December 1945, Page 7

MR. SULLIVAN'S RETURN

MISSION TO AUSTRALIA AUCKLAND, December 20. After discussions in Australia concerning civil aviation, aspects of trade, and means of alleviating the New Zealand wheat shortage, the Minister of Supply (Mr Sullivan) returned from Sydney by flying-boat to-day. With the Minister, were .Mr F. R. Picot, Commissioner of Supply, Mr R. McPherson, Wheat and Flour Controller, Mr J. P. Johnsen, of the Customs Department, and. Mr L.. C. Webb,.Director of Stabilisation. They will leave for Wellington by ait tomorrow.

“Subject to concurrence by the United Kingdom, we intend to set up a tripartite commission, representing the United Kingdom, Australia, arid New Zealand, to make the necessary investigations and report to the three governments on the steps necessary for the establishment of an air service between Australia, New Zealand and the United States,” Mr Sullivan said. “Nothing can .be decided until the commission, which will control the service, has reported its recommendations to the governments concerned.”

Asked his view of the prospect of the R.A.F. Transport Command’s Pacific service being resumed, after 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. However, Australia and 'New Zealand were now awaiting the British decision.

“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. He understood the Minister of Customs (Mr Nash) had recently granted all applications made for private licences to import cigarettes.

PURCHASE OF WHEAT.

AUCKLAND, December 20.

Arrangements to purchase between 4,000,000 and 6,000,000 bushels of Australian wheat, enough to meet the deficiency in the New Zealand crop caused by unfavourable weather in Canterbury this season, have been made in Australia by the Minister of Supply. He said the price had not been finally fixed, but was subject to negotiation. The Minister said that as a result of the arrangements made there was no prospect of a bread shortage through local deficiency in wheat. A supply from Australia was assured, but there were various propositions and alternatives which would be further discussed, and these had. a bearing on the price that would finally be paid.

U.S.A. PROPOSALS

AUCKLAND, December 21

A hint that New Zealand may develop a parallel policy in regard to, the proposals put forward by the United States Government, as a basis for discussion at the International conference on trade and employment as an important step towards economic collaboration among nations, was given by Mr. Sullivan, this morning prior to his departure by air for Wellington. Mr. Sullivan returned, yesterday, after a visit to Australia. ‘Tart of the time I was engaged in discussions with Mr. Chifley and officers on the clarification of the Australian and New Zealand attitude to American proposals,” said Mr. Sullivan. “Agreement was reached on the foundation questions and a degree of common understanding achieved.” Asked whether any actual decisions had been made regarding trade policy with the United States, the Minister replied that he couldn’t say anything more at this stage, but. further early contact would be made between representatives of the'Australian and New Zealand Governments.