ATTACK BY MR SAVAGE

Kaikoura Star, Volume LVII, Issue 47, 14 June 1937, Page 3

ATTACK BY MR SAVAGE

SOME PLAIN SPEAKING. FOREIGN POLICY. LONDON, June 8. Arising from the difficulties raised l>j the Prime Minister of Canada, Mr WL. Mackenzie King, at the Imperial Conference, concerning Canada’s attitude towards foreign policy, the pohticorrespondent of the Australian Press agency understands that some of the plainest speaking during the Conference occurred when the principal delegates were endeavouring to formulate the foreign policy resolutions and were dealing with the resolutions as amended after yesterday’s discussion. It is gathred that Mr M. J. Savage (New Zealand), in a vigorous speech, and using frank language, directly attacked Mr Mackenzie King’s attitude, pointing out that while New Zealand’s attitude was clear, namely, that she was rcadv at any time to defend the Empire to the utmost, it was obvious that Mr Mackenzie King, whatever the Conference might agree to. would not support it if it involved Canada in any definite undertaking of foreign policy.

Apparently Mr Savage further intimated that ’Mr Maeknezie King and the Conference could rest assured that New Zealand was not going to do anything which meant killing the League of Nations, even though Mr Mackenzie King was apparently willing to sacrifice the League.

It is just possible that the deep impression Mr Savage created might cause Mr Mackenzie King to be to some extent overruled.

Mr Savage’s speech was followed by that of the Dominions Secretary, Mr Malcolm MacDonald, who called on Mr Savage at the Savoy Hotel to-night to further discuss the position in readiness for the resumption of the foreign affairs discussion to-morrow.