COALITION AIM

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20260, 30 May 1940, Page 6

COALITION AIM

DOMINION IN WAR NATIONAL PARTY CALL CAUCUS REPETITION INFLUENCE FOR UNITY COUNCIL INADEQUATE (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Government’s proposal for the establishment of a War Council has been rejected by the Opposition as not meeting the needs of the present situation. This decision was made at a caucus yesterday of Parliamentary members of the National Party who had before them a letter from the Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, setting out the constitution and powers of the proposed council. The Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. A. Hamilton, in a letter to the Prime Minister yesterday reiterated the opinion of his party that the formation of a War Cabinet should be given immediate reconsideration by the Government. It was common knowledge in political circles yesterday that Mr. Hamilton visited Government House late in the afternoon, but no official information was available as to the reason for his interview with the Gov-ernor-General. Powers Proposed In a letter to Mr. Hamilton dated on Tuesday, the Prime Minister outlined the constitution and powers of the proposed War Council as follows: — (1.) That a War Council be appointed consisting of six members of llie Executive Council, three members of His Majesty's Opposition, two representatives of primary industries, one being an employers’ representative and one a workers’ representative, two representatives of secondary industries, one representing employers and the other employees, one person nominated by the New Zealand Returned Soldiers’ Association and one returned soldier to be selected by the Government.

(2.) That the functions of the War Council be:

(1) To determine the steps to be taken in relation to the following matters: (A), All matters connected with the defence of New Zealand; (B), all matters connected with the giving of military assistance to Great Britain and her allies; (C), all matters connected with the production of goods and the rendering of services for war purposes; (D), all other matters connected with war activities of New Zealand and other parts of the British Commonwealth. i2) To control, with the concurrence of Ihe Government, the expenditure of all moneys in the war expenses account. Profound Regret ’ Profound regret at the rejection of his proposal for the formation of a War Cabinet was. expressed in the letter which Mr. Hamilton sent to Mr. Fraser. He said he was confident that the alternative proposal of a War Council would cause intense disappointment to the people of New Zealand. “Members of the Parliamentary Opposition have carefully considered the position and are strongly of the opinion that your proposal in no way meets the requirements of the situation and does not satisfy the public demand for a non-party war administration,” slates the letter. “At this moment of the Empire's peril accordingly I strongly urge that my proposal for the setting up of a War Cabinet ■be given, immediate reconsideration by the Government. In a subsequent interview Mr. Hamilton said his reply was delivered to the Prime Minister with the message that it was proposed that the two letters be handed to the evening newspapers. However, as a result of further discussions with the Prime Minister it was decided to allow further time for consultation and consideration. Alternative Rejected The caucus was disappointed that the Prime Minister could not meet the Opposition's request and was unanimous that it could not agree to his alternative proposal. Accordingly, he had communicated this finding to the Prime Minister early in the evening.

“I would like to emphasise again the main factor which I pointed out in my discussions with the Prime Minister," said Mr. Hamilton. “Nothing short of supreme authority, absolutely unifying the country and invested with absolute powers capable pf inspiring confidence and giving the necessary authority for immediate action, would be considered by the Opposition. “Some say that our position to-day is partly due to the fact that the Opposition has been, over-generous in the opportunity it has given to the administration. Whether that is true or not, I am certain that no one can deny the fact that the Opposition has been at least generous and patient. “The results have not measured up to even the least expectation of our people. I trust that, in further discussions concerning this matter, all will be inspired by tire magnificent example <•[ the Mother Country where there is perfect appreciation that the need of the hour in the life-and-death struggle obliterates all party considerations of any kind."