ANZAC AGREEMENT

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIV, Issue 49, 26 January 1944, Page 5

ANZAC AGREEMENT

REPLY TO MR HOLLAND

(Press Assn) WELLINGTON, Jan. 25 The Acting-Prime Minister (Mr Sullivan), reierring to-day to Mr S. G. Holland’s criticism regarding the ratification of the Australian-New Zealand Agreement, said it was evident that Mr Holland had not apparently taken the trouble to consider the meaning of the term ratification and what was necessary in an agreement of this kind. In intergovernmental agreements all that was necessary for ratification was that it should be accepted by the Government on whose behalf it had been negotiated. This clearly meant that it should be considered by Cabinet, which was the executive organ of the Government, and should it be . confirmed by that body it was then ratified. Formal notification to this effect was then given to the other party to the agreement. It was important in this connection to note that it was the customary function of the Executive and not Parliament to enter into ob.igations of an international nature. It was not essential that ratification as such should be effected in the case of all inter-governmental agreements and there were numerous examples of such agreements, such as the Ottawa Agreement. Mr Sullivan said that he must make it clear that while the Australian-New Zealand Agreement would be considered by Cabinet immediately on Mr Fraser’s return with a view to its ratification, it also be submitted to. Parliament for approval as soon as possible after.it assembled next month. The essential rights of Parliament in this matter would not be disregarded, nor had there ever been anv suggestion or intention that they would be. Mr Holland bad commented that the agreement would not receive a unanimous vote of approval. At the same time ho had gone on to say that the text of the agreement would bo studied this week by one of Ins muohadvertised working committees of the caucus. Thcro was surely a degree of inconsistency in such a statement. How was it possible to prejudge a decision on this doeument. which neither Mr Holland nor his party, on bis own admission, bad carefully examined, since the examination was still to take place. Mr Sullivan said bo earnestly hoped Mr Holland and his colleagues would give serious Ihougbt to the terms of the agreement, that they would endeavour to free their minds of political prejudicf. and that they would find they were able to walk with their fellow New Zealanders and with the people of Australia forward to the realisation of those aims which animated this noble and purposeful document,. Ho added that the agreement. appeared to have won the approval not only of the people of Australia and New Zealand but certain commentators in Britain, and he considered Mr Holland could have waited till the Prime Minister and bis colleagues bad returned and explained in detail the provisions of tbo agreement to Parliament, before rushing impulsively into denunciation.