The Grey River Argus WEDNESDAY, December 22, 1943. MR. FRASER’S WARNING.

Grey River Argus, 22 December 1943, Page 4

The Grey River Argus WEDNESDAY, December 22, 1943. MR. FRASER’S WARNING.

There will, be genera! gratification that the Prime has been able to resume his onerous duties after his illness, and thus to enable Air. Nash to resume his important post al Washington. There is not likely to be any renewal of previous criticism of Mr. Nash’s mission, tvhich relates not only to war supply, but also to vital future questions as to the control of the Pacific. Statesmen of at least three Allied countries are now discussing those , issues, and incidentally there is advocacy of the Fiji, Samoan, Bonin and other islands coming under United States ownership. In the light of that proposal, the address yesterday of the iVustralian High Commissioner to New Zealand, Hon. T. A. D’Alton, urging complete unity of policy on the part of his country and our own will be generally endorsed. Mr Nash on his arrival at Sydney yesterday gave it his emphatic approval, and when he' reaches Washington he may be trusted to put the case for an adequate sphere of influence in the Pacific for these two Dominions. At the same time new commitments between them and the United States are more than likely, especially in the matter of aviation and naval bases, because our dependence upon American co-operation for our future protection has been demonstrated in this war more convincingly than ever before. At the same time, Americans must not be allowed to presume either that these Dominions have not played a. mighty part in the war or that they owe their freedom jfrom invasion entirely to others. The Prime Minister has taken occasion to -warn the country against the assumption that there can be any slackening in its war effort, and much less that the end of the Avar is in sight. Next year in his estimation is not going to see the. end of it, and

meantime victory might be delayed should there be what he calls “little wars” on the home front either here or in Australia. It is not to be assumed that industrial hold-ups are alone meant, even though there should be a temptation in that respect on account of the more difficult way of life which the war certainly entails for a very great many in the community. For some sections difficulties may be created by the attitude of other sections, and those agitating against the war-time controls over prices, supplies, and spending are, to say the least, a growing nuisance. Australian visitors, according to latest reports, compare our living standards and commodity supplies most favourably with those of the Australians, who are .facing further shortages in'the coming year. Politicians and other spokesmen of vested interests who are agitating for taxation changes and the relaxation of price stabilisation are just as forgetful of the demands of the Avar effort as are others who imagine pre-war living standards can yet be restored. On the other hand, where it can be demonstrated patiently in any instance that stabilisation is unfair, the Government may be trusted in due course to readjust it. The main thing; is ©till to bear in mind that the country is deep in the throes of war, and to co-operate with the Government in the fullest measure.