CARDS ON TABLE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20639, 20 August 1941, Page 5

CARDS ON TABLE

PREMIER’S INTENTION FEDERAL PARLIAMENT PROPOSED LONDON VISIT (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Aug. 20, 10 a.m.) SYDNEY, Aug. 20. The much-discussed question of whether the Prime Minister, Mr. R. G. Menzies, will go to London will rest with the Federal Parliamentary Labour caucus, which will meet on Thursday. Mr. Menzies made this clear upon his arrival at Sydney from Melbourne yesterday, by declaring that he is not prepared to leave Australia unless all parties agree. He added that all cards would be placed on the table for the Federal Parliament to-day. The full Cabinet later yesterday discussed the political situation and the nature of the broadcast to be delivered by Mr. Menzies to-night. Cabinet members are clearly apprehensive of Labour’s attitude and have taken the stand that the Government’s case should be placed before the people in such a manner as to bring an instantaneous and favourable reaction. Significant Move A significant development yesterday was the assurance given by the Government party member, Mr. McCall, to the Labour Party, he would support a Labour Administration if Mr. Menzies sought an election as a solution of his troubles. It is also reported that additional Labour members are showing a disposition to desert Mr. J. Curtin, as leader, and throw in their lot with the New South Wales trio who are strenuously combating Mr. Menzies’ proposed trip to London. Dr. H. V. Evatt, in a further statement yesterday, said: “I am convinced that the primary object of those Ministers who sponsored the move for the Prime Minister’s visit to London was, and is, to hinder effective opposition to the present Ministry during an indefinite absence abroad of the Ministry’s head. I and my colleagues condemn that proposal on public grounds.”