PREMIERS' CONFERENCE

Grey River Argus, 4 May 1944, Page 5

PREMIERS' CONFERENCE

MILITARY TALKS About Invasion I Aus. & N.Z. Press Assn.] (Rec. 7.30.) LONDON, May 2. The Prime Ministers’ conference discussed at length the present warsituation during its second day’s meeting. It is understood the talks were general in character. Both Mr. Fraser and Mr. Curtin fully endorsed decisions taken in connection witih a second front. Their own views regarding the Pacific war found ready sunoort.

The Premiers discussed the immediate war situation, personally with each other as well as members of the War Cabinet and military experts. Mr. Churchill, it is understood, surveyed preparations which are now being made on a vast scale for impending operations in Western Europe. When discussions on the operations in Europe are Completed, the Premiers will participate in daily meetings of the War Cabinet taking an equal share in responsibility for the conduct of the war in the crucial stages. Present arrangements provide for consideration of the Far Eastern position after examination of the progress of the war in Europe. The problems of switching British resources against Japan after Germany’s defeat, as well as prosecution of military operations in Burma and the Pacific, will then b'e dealt with, i It is understood that there has been no conversation so far concerning the establishment of an Empire Secretariat, and that, when it is’ discussed, the conference will, firstly, be chiefly interested in hearing exchanges of views between Mr. Curtin and Mr. MacKenzie King before engaging m general discussions. It is expected the latter will ask for reservations to any plan for Commonwealth unity in world councils. American correspondents even suggest that Australia’s proposals, through Mr. Curtin, may be shelved. Some London commentators say, an the other hand, that a permanent secretariat for moulding a common policy will be established by agreement.

The Deputy-Prime Minister (Mr. Attlee) was asked in the House of Commons whether it was intended to broadcast a coming talk to both Houses of Parliament by Mr. MacKenzie King. He said the 8.8. C. would make appropriate arrangements to suit the greatest possible number of listeners at home and overseas. Asked whether Mr. Fraser and Mr. Curtin would participate in these proceedings or a similar function, in order that they might be heard by the people of Britain, Mr. Attlee saia they hoped it would be possible.

Dominion’s Loyalty REAFFIRMED BY MR. FRASER. (Official N.Z. News Service. (Rec. 10.13 ) LONDON, May 2. i A reiteration of New Zealand’s pledge to fight and work for victory with all available resources, and an expression of confidence in the future unity of the nations of the Britisn Commonwealth, were the high points of a brief comment made by Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, at the opening of the Commonwealth Conference, yesterday. . . _ All five of the Prime Ministers spoke, and a summary of the texts of., their addresses has just been released for publication. Mr. Fraser’s statement is as follows: “It is not necessary for New i Zealand to sav what it has done and will do. From the outset, New Zealand has pledged herself to fight in the war until victory is won with alb the bower and resources in men and materials at her disposal. That pledge holds good to-day, and I reiterate it on this occasion. There are many important questions on the agenda for discussion, and I will nor, at this stage comment upon them. But I would like to say that new Zealand is anxious to know how you are getting on in dealing with the many matters of vital significance that are before you. We too have had, and still 'have, some difficult questions to face, differing in magnitude, but ot great importance to the Dominion. We admire most wholeheartedly the handling of the many and difficult problems that have confronted the Government of the United Kingdom, not only in the military field, but also in'that of diplomacy—the difficulties in which do not appear to be lessening. “For my own oart, I do believe that with the continuation of the firm friendship, goodwill, and c p-operation between the nations of the British Commonwealth, we can establish the foundations of the Commonwealth more firmly still. We can strengthen the already strong bonds of unity which, based on a free, willing association and partnership, bind us so permanently together, and hnk us with the other United Nations. There are some problems ahead that may Morn large. As the Prime Minister of Australia and I have both said in the United States, there are, in the Pacific, the region which affects us so closely, no problems that, cannot be solved by goodwill, collaboration and co-operation. New Zealand is anxious to express its admiration for those in this country who have carried so great a burden through so critical a period in the history of our commonwealth and mankind.” U.S.A. SAY AT CONFERENCE. (Rec. 11.40.) NEW YORK, May 3. The London correspondent of the “Herald-Tribune” says: It is reliably stated that the United States will be very closelv associated with the Premiers’ Conference in all discussions relating to the war against Japan. It is not believed. that the United States will actually participate in discussions on Pacific problems, but no conclusions will be reached without the full knowledge ana acquiescence of Washington in any matters vitally concerning the United States. . ! •