MISSION OVERSEAS.

Kaikoura Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 62, 10 August 1944, Page 2

MISSION OVERSEAS.

PRIME MINISTER'S REPORT TO HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES. WELLINGTON, August 7. The Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) made his report on his mission overseas in the House of Representatives this evening. It was agreed that a later opportunity should be given members to discuss the statement. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr S. G. Holland) expressed the opinion that this course would be preferable to members discussing it in the Budget debate. Describing his journey to London, Mr Fraser told of conferences in Washington.' He found that New Zealand’s manpower problems, although of smaller dimensions, were practically identical with those of the United States and all the belligerent United Nations. After his arrival in London on April 27, Mr Fraser exchanged views with Mr Churchill during the week-end, and with other Prime Ministers, had an early opportunity of meeting the King and Queen. i Mr I raser said the Prime Ministers ’ Conference was mpst valuable and important. It gave the opportunity for personal exchange of views among Prime Ministers on problems affecting the British Commonwealth, and on world problems affecting the lives of the people of New Zealand and other British countries, in common with the rest of mankind.

It was agreed that large British forces would take part in the war against Japan as soon as Gernjany was defeated; and plans for this purpose were being considered. “I made clear the decision arrived at by New Zealand, both in regard to the maintenance of our armed forces and the production of food,” said Mr Fraser. “I said I would be pleased to have decisions upon the question of the part that British forces would be expected to play in the Pacific war, because upon these decisions would depend the future course of New r Zealand’s war activities. THE ATLANTIC CHARTER. “I also emphasised New Zealand’s adherence to the principles of the Atlantic Charter, and stated that the British Common wealth should adhere to the principles of the Charter, whether or not they always reacted to our our immediate material interests.” Mr Fraser said there was unanimous agreement that the pledges given France by Britain, the United States, and the Dominions, that French overseas possessions would be restored must be honoured, and that negotiation among all the Allies, not arbitrary ac tion by any nation or group of nations, should mark the postwar conduct of the victors.

Mr Fraser concurred in the recognition of China as one of the world’s four leading Powers to have a permanent seat on the council of the new world organisation, where he hoped France would soon join them. Close co-operation among Britain, the United States, Russia, and China, was cordially accepted by the Conference as the basis of victory and postwar security. It was accepted as fundamental that while in all countries, including Greece, Jugoslavia, Poland, and the Baltic countries generally unity by all parties must be achieved for the defeat of the common enemy, when the enemy was defeated then the people of the various countries, and they alone, should, and must, determine their own form of government. It was felt that the difficulties of adjusting the territorial boundaries of Europe could be overcome with goodwill, sense, fairness, and common sense. NEW ZEALAND’S PROBLEMS. Mr Fraser said the Prime Ministers’ Conference discussed, generally international monetary and postwar commercial policies. He himself, with Mr Curtin, advocated the point of view that was accepted in regard to these matters —that all economic discussion should start from the assumption of an adequate economic and social basis. Full and adequately remunerative employment for the peoples of all countries should be the main objective of such policies. He stated that New Zealand favoured international schemes for the expansion of trade, but pointed out that there were problems connected with New Zealand’s economy requiring special consideration. This was recognised. These problems were in regard to New Zealand’s position as one of the world’s largest exporters of primary produce and in regard to our growing secondary industries. The New Zealand Government was deeply concerned to maintain those measures, economic and financial, which were essential for New Zealand’s standards of living. In the Conference’s discussion on colonies, Mr Fraser suggested that countries with overseas possessions should hold them as trustees for the welfare of the native peoples. Mr Fraser said that at the Conference he urged the fullest possible restoration of shipping connected with New Zealand, whose welfare depended so much upon it. This included coastal and inter-Dominion shipping. He also stressed the necessity of maintaining under the British flag a shiping line between New Zealand, Australia, and North America.

IMMIGRATION. On the question of immigration, he stated that New Zealand fully recognised the necessity of having a larger population, and consideration was being given the matter at the present moment. The outstanding problem was the rehabilitation of the men and women of our arrnjed' services, who had to be provided for first. It was impossible to arrange for many people to settle in New Zealand while a large number of our young men who had fought for the country had to be provided for, both in employment and in housing. At the same tinje, he suggested a central bureau for the Commonwealth and the Empire in London would facilitate the transfer of qualified young men and women from one

country to another as opportunity arose. The whole question of immigration would be considered by the New Zealand. Government with a view to enabling our kinsmen to come to this country in such numbers as could be beneficially welcomed and absorbed in industry. Mr Fraser said immigration was being further examined by b<sth Britiain and the Dominion Governments. Telling the House of his visit to the New Zealand Division in Italy, Mr Fraser said he was'satisfied that there was not a better division nor a better military machine anywhere, and General Freyberg’s ability as a soldier and a leader was equalled only by his concern for the men. The whole division was an outstanding example of democracy in action. New Zealand troops had said to him: “After this is over, the first ship back to New Zealand for us”; but they did not wish to some back until it was over.