SOUTH PACIFIC POLICY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXIV, Issue 120, 19 April 1944, Page 5

SOUTH PACIFIC POLICY

STATEMENT BY Mil 'ERASER. WASHINGTON, April 18. The New Zealand Prime Minister (Mr Frascr) has issued a lengthy statement on co-operation in the South Pacific in which he says: "New Zealand realised that the security and future development of the Pacific can be satisfactorily achieved only hi co-operation with the United States. I would like to emphasise that Australian and New Zealand foreign policy is based .on friendship and collaboration with the United States, Britain, or other countries having interests and responsibilities in the Pacific.

"The fine spirit of mutual assistance and open co-operation between the United States and our people during the war will, we hone, remain a permanent policy of mutual collaboration after the war." He added that he saw no cause lor differences and every cause for agreement. Questioned about the reported differences of views on British Commonwealth policy among Mr Mackenzio King, Lord Halifax, Mr Curtin, and General Smuts, Mr Eraser said ho believed any reported differences were more apparent than real, adding that tho emphasis on the differences had obscured tho fact that there was a similarity of view. Mr Frascr said he saw no difficulties after the war regarding defence or an bases. Tentatively, New Zealand might like to sCc a single United Nations airline in the Pacilie, but, if not, any reasonable international arrangement. If various lines were operated, New Zealand would want reciprocal landing rights at Hawaii and on the west coast of the United States. Mr Frascr reiterated that the Canberra Agreement was only- for the purpose of discussions. Fixed prior agreements would destroy the effectiveness of the world organisation which he hoped would arise. Mr Frascr pointed out that New Zealand's war casualties were greater in proportion to population than any ally except possibly Russia. Members of tho House and the Senate gave a reception to Mr Frascr and four British Parliamentarians going to New Zealand and Australia.