“WE ARE AT WAR”

Gisborne Times, Volume LXXXII, Issue 12537, 26 April 1935, Page 5

“WE ARE AT WAR”

WHEN THE EMPIRE TAKES UP ARMS. WHAT MR FORBES TOLD CANADIANS. NO Heed to summon Parliament. (U.P.A. by Elec.' Tel. Copyright) (Received April 25, 7.15 p.m.) ' OTTAWA, April 24. London despatches that an Empire Trade and Defence Conference is contemplated creates little interest in Canada, on the grounds that Canada has nothing in’ particular to discuss. Mr. Forbes interviewed, secs no necessity for a discussion on Empire defence or foreign policy. The United Kingdom kept New Zealand informed of the progress of negotiations With Germany and other European nations. Ho continued: “When Britain is at war wo are at war. No discussion lias taken place in New Zealand as to participation or non-participation in any future war involving the Empire, which was the greatest agency for peace in the world. New Zealanders arc confident that Britain will always be on the side of peace and make no commitments not absolutely necessary. .We don’t have to discuss those things.” Mr . Forbes added that if another war broke out, he expected tfeat New Zealand would act as promptly as in 1914 and there would be no necessity for calling Parliament to decide what should be done.