WAR PROBLEMS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21305, 18 January 1944, Page 4

WAR PROBLEMS

JOINT FRONT AIM

ISSUES AT CANBERRA

SURVEY BY MR. CURTIN

(By Telegraph—Press Assn.-Copyright.) (Special Australian Correspondent.)

(10.40 a.m.)

CANBERRA, Jan. 18,

‘•‘This conference is a practical illustration of the manner in which the future of the world may be guided In -the true interests of mankind,” said the 'Australian Prime Minister, Mr. a. Curtin, in opening the talks between Australian and 14ew Zealand Ministers,- “We are 'here to discuss and consider. We are here to agree in the light of basic principles that have animated us throughout the course of thisj struggle. I have no cloubt of the capacity of the New Zealand and Australian Governments to face whatever problems the future may hold and to solve, -them in complete understanding arid associated endeavour.”

Not only were the New ZealandAustralian Ministerial discussions of the highest importance to the two countries directly concerned, but they were of deep signilicance to the wnole structure of the British Commonwealth of Nations. The problems arising out of the war were of such a nature that they could not be satisfactorily settled separately. Just as New. Zealand and Australia had a common fate in the issue of the war,

so it was Mr. Curtin’s belief that, oy mutual arrangement, trie two countries could .develop and maintain the strength necessary to enable them to play their full part in the struggle. Had Australia been occupied by the Japanese in the early days of the Pacific war, the difficulties facing New- Zealand would have been greatly intensified. Australia had _been an immediate frontier to the Dominion of ; New Zealand. While Australia , stood. New Zealand was safe. ‘‘l?’am very glad to - testify to the

Magnificent Co-operation

magnificent co-operation which the Government of New Zealand has given to the Government of Australia, particularly since the outbreak ox i war,” said Mr. Curtin. “Each of us has known wh,at the other was doin & and understood why. We have endeavoured to make up for: your, material deficiencies, while your help, has been of incalculable value .to us m tne prosecution of the war.” ; The time had now passed, however, to talk of any nation’s individual effort. Though regional aspects still remained, globally the Allies stood- or fell together. Australia and New Zealand had now passed the stage when they could do no more than merely defend themselves—when the loss of Australia would not only have gravely imperilled New Zealand but would have -been a grievous blow to the Allied cause throughout the world. In this change of character or the war the .present: talks were the first series of discussions on the problems arising, out of New' Zealand-Australian ■ relationship and out of both countries relationships with the' other United Nations’ collaborators.

“I do not doubt that the New Zealand representatives will be able to persuade, us that certain proposals •which" they advance will. bc_ good .foi tis and for the whole of this part of the world,’’ sai’d Mr. Curtin. “We shall ,be most active collaborators in eff ectingrthese -proposals. .We -must make our 4deals- live .and function.- • '>•

“We Must devise our-mechanics of collaboration so that we will be something more than voices, propounding high ideals - and advocates of great pauses; ' We must become, indeed, working men responsible for building a better world. We must get down to the everyday job of how and why.

Basis for Consultation

The Australian Government earnestly hoped that the present conference would be the means of translating New Zealand’s ' and Australia’s community of interest into a practical conclusion under as many heads as possible. Above all, the Australian Government hoped’that the conference would be the means of instituting improved arrangements for consultation and exchange of information and opinions between the two countries. In this, respect the conference might well prove of deep interest in the history of.tthe evolution of British Commonwealth relations. Dual aspects, of the topics for discussion were the mingling of immediate relevance with post-war relevance. Mr. Curtin defined the Australian Government’s view of the objects of the conference as twofold; First, it should ensure agreement between Australia and New Zealand to take a primary part in applying to the countries of the South and South-West Pacific the principles of freedom from fear, freedom from want, freedom from repression and, secondly, 'by assisting unison on various matters of current relevance, it should enhance the' voice and authority with which the. two countries speak in the world at large. • Mr. Curtin emphasised that one of the main values of the conference would be as a clearing ground for subsequent broader discussions. He hoped that similar talks between Australian artd New Zealand Ministers would be held frequently in future. Some of the problems for discussion would be considered at the Imperial Conference in London. For other problems there would be every reason for subsequently inviting a further conference in Australia of all the Governments bolding territorial interests in the South and South-West Pacific.