Opposition to Menzies’ Visit to London

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 192, 14 August 1941, Page 5

Opposition to Menzies’ Visit to London

MAY AVERT ELECTION IN AUSTRALIA Received Thursday, 12.27 a.m. MELBOURNE, Aug. 13. While it i 3 believed the Opposition leader (Mr. Curtin) is prepared to agree to Mr. Menzies going abroad as xremier, he will await the views of his party before declaring himself. A section of Labour members is planning to defeat the move, especially if Mr. Menzies’ stay in England is likely to be prolonged, in wnich case an effort wiil be made to have Mr. Fadden appointed and vested with the full powers of the Prime Ministership. The most interesting aspect of Mr. Menzies’ projected transfer to London, according to political writers, is that it may rule out the danger of a crisis arising in Parliament which would lead to a general election. At to-morrow’s meeting of the War Advisory Council the Labour members are expected, to challenge Mr. Menzies’ right to go to London again as Prime Minister. Mr. Beasley today said he was unaware of any changed conditions concerning the Par East which would warrant Mr. Menzies goiAS to London. Moreover, if the position in the Far East is as serious as Mr. Menzies made out, then his place was in Australia, not London. Dr. Evatt expressed a similar view.

It is understood Mr. Menzies is arranging to travel on the first available clipper so that he can confer with President Roosevelt. on the journey.