CANBERRA SESSION

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20632, 13 August 1941, Page 5

CANBERRA SESSION

COMING WEEK RETURN TO LONDON MR. MENZIES REQUESTED (Elec. Tel Copyright—United Press Assn.) ißecd. Aug. 13, 9 a.m.) MELBOURNE, Aug. 13. The Federal Cabinet after its continued meeting yesterday asked the Prime Minister. Mr. R. G. Menzies, to go to London again as soon as possible. .Mr. Menzies made the following statement: “The Cabinet has decided to arrange for the summoning of Parliament on August 2(1, when statements will be made concerning the Far East and, if possible, a private, session will be held to permit frank discussion of the whole matter. “Questions of' great moment have been before the Cabinet and are naturally the subject of exchanges with the various Empire Governments. We feel that Parliament should, as far as possible, be acquainted with their background and implications. “The public will realise that while ihe state of international tension continues decisions of policy will have to be made sometimes of a farreaching kind. Empire Policy and Strategy “I should also add that recent events have given rise to further discussion on the desirability of Ministerial representation in London, where decisions of great importance on Empire policy and strategy are inevitably made and where the powers and functions of the ablest High Commissioners are necessarily somewhat circumscribed. The Cabinet has, in fact, requested me to proceed to London again as soon as possible. “In the present political and international circumstances there are difficulties in such a course though they may not be unsuperable. I, therefore, feel it would not be right for me to accede to the request without the frankest discussion with all parties in Parliament. It is imperative that whoever goes should have the real backing of Parliament. "I further point out that whoever goes the administration of Australia’s war effort will continue to be conducted in -Australia and, therefore, no delays would be occasioned by the absence of one man, who will, in any event, need to devote his whole energies to his overseas work and responsibilities. Opposition Leader Concurs “The Leader of the Federal Opposition, Mr. J. Curtin, has been goodenough to confer with me during the day in these matters. He completely agrees that an early summoning of Parliament is the correct course.” “No matter who we are, or what we are to-day, Australia is entitled to ask for loyal and devoted service from its sons,” declared Mr. Curtin in the course of a statement after the private conference with Mr. Menzies. “The fact is,” he added, “that we have been at war for nearly two years and the scene moves increasingly closer to our territory. Men not fighting or train* ing to light can do other essential work. We have to do everything humanly possible to organise our fighting forces and dispose of them in the right place.”