CANBERRA ACCORD

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20385, 23 October 1940, Page 7

CANBERRA ACCORD

COALITION BODY WAR COUNCIL PLAN HOPE TO END IMPASSE CONFERENCE OF PARTIES CRITICAL COMMENT • (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Oct. 23, 10.30 a.m,) SYDNEY, Oct. 23. It was announced in Canberra late last night that the Prime Minister, Mr. R. G. Menzies, had announced that the party conference had agreed to form an Australian War Council representative of all parties in the Commonwealth Parliament. The conference of party managers resumed the talks yesterday on ways and means of establishing an all-party Government. Both Government and Labour' circles disclaimed responsibility for the slow progress of the negotiations. , Mr. Menzies pointed out that fundamental differences Of policy had to be dealt with—not mere words. He claimed that the conference was proceeding, according to schedule. The Labour leader, Mr. J. Curtin, issued a statement yesterday as follows: “I shall insist on the consideration of policy as a preliminary to anything else, but if Mr. Menzies is concerned only with getting Labour to assist him with his own political programme, that is a matter for deep regret.” Mr. Curtin repudiated a Suggestion emanating from Government sources that he had rejected consideration of any form of a stable National Government. He explained in an interview that he had submitted to the conference the feasibility of an advisory war council as an alternative to an all-party Government and made it clear that the Labour Party should know what kind of programme would be carried through Parliament. Delay Evokes Comment The d6lay by party managers at Canberra to reach a basis of unity on the future form of Australian Government has evoked widespread comment much of which is decidedly unfavourably to both Mr. Menzies and Mr. Curtin. t The Sydney Sun in an editorial last night said: “So far the party conference has achieved nothing except to point to the suspicion that its chief object is to maintain the status quo so..far .as some of the .highest offices are concerned. War does not wait for political manoeuvres at Canberra nor can Australia wait. The question which interests Australia is not whether Mr. Menzies can form a National Government, but whether such a Government,can be formed by any leader. ■“Mr.- Menzies is-responsible to the nation. If it becomes apparent that there is no chance of a National Government under his leadership, it is lor him to make the sacrifice and give way to some other leader. The leader does not matter—unity does.”