War Council Plan Does Not Meet Situation, Hamilton Says

Northern Advocate, 28 May 1940, Page 3

War Council Plan Does Not Meet Situation, Hamilton Says

[Per Press Association. Copyright.! WELLINGTON-, This Day. “I WAITED UPON THE PRIME MINISTER (MR. FRASER) THIS EVENING TO INQUIRE WHAT WAS IN HIS MIND WHEN HE MADE HIS COUNTER-SUGGESTION OF THE FORMATION OF A WAR COUNCIL, IN REPLY TO MY SUGGESTION THAT HE FORM A NATIONAL WAR CABINET.” The Leader of the Opposition (Mr. Hamilton) said this in an interview last night. ‘‘ln the course of a full and friendly discussion, I made it clear that the proposal to set up a War Council did not appear to meet the position. “I pointed out that nothing short of a supreme authority, absolutely unifying the country, invested with absolute powers, capable of inspiring confidence and giving the necessary authority for immediate action, would be considered by the Opposition.

f Will Supply Details. “I also pointed out that, on the face of it, it was easy to observe how this could be brought about by the formation of a National War Cabinet, as had been done in Great Britain. “However, on the facts yet available to myself, which were those available to the general public, it was far from clear how. it was proposed to achieve this under the proposal for a War Council. “The Prime Minister undertook to supply me tomorrow morning with details of the powers with which it is suggested the council should be invested, suggested methods for the administration of those powers, and the basis of representation of the personnel of the council. Caucus on Wednesday. “The Prime Minister readily .agreed that this was not a time for beating about the bush, and that action must be clear, decisive ,and immediate. “On receipt of the details of the proposals as promised, they will be reviewed by a committee of the caucus tomorrow and by a full caucus of the National Party members on Wednesday. “I would add this —time does not stand still. “We must act as one people and act today. “A lead in the action can come, in my opinion, only by the absolute suppression of prejudices, bi/tterness and partisan outlook.”