ANZAC INFLUENCE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22241, 29 January 1947, Page 5

ANZAC INFLUENCE

PAVING THE WAY,

ZEAL AND DISCRETION

SYDNEY PRESS COMMENT (9 a.m.) SYDNEY, Jan. 29. The press unanimously welcomes the South Pacific conference which opened to-day in Canberra as a splendid opportunity for the wartime collaboration between the six nations concerned to be extended into times of peace. The Sydney Sun says: "Australia and New Zealand opened the way by the Anzac pact for a wider agreement between all democracies whose interests in the Pacific impose responsibility for the well-being of subject native races.”

The leading article warns delegates to weigh every proposal on the economic side. “Freedom from want, as promised by the Atlantic Charter, implies better education and improved living standards, but not commercial

exploitation of the native, or a toohasty provision of a new order which ne may neither desire nor understand.” It carries sting in the tail for Australia, however, by concluding: “While loity and most praiseworthy ideals are being given expression in Canberra, it would be well for our own delegates to give some deeply-serious thought to the subject race much closer to us than the Solomons of New Guinea. Australian aborigines are no less human than those of Papua and have an equal claim to our care.”

By taking the leadership in promoting a South Pacific charter, the Australian and New Zealand Governments risked criticism from nations with a longer tradition and greater experience in the government of native territories," says the Herald. “That they have succeeded in tempering crusading zeal with discretion is indicated by the present response to their invitations.

"Strong delegations have been sent by the other four Powers and, if unanimity of opinion is not to be expected, useful results are certain to flow from the exchange of views and sharing of knowledge.”