Mast Not “Get Used To War," Nash Says

Northern Advocate, 8 April 1943, Page 2

Mast Not “Get Used To War," Nash Says

(P.A.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Referring to the war in the Pacific in an interview on arrival in Wellington, Mr. Nash said that in his opinion the Japanese would fight harder when they knew they were going to lose. Mr. Nash said it was important that people should not “get used to the war.” We could not afford to slacken up.

Discussing the Atlantic Charter, Mr. Nash said that he was satisfied that the principles of the Charter were the inside policy of the United Kingdom with regard to future government of all areas it was responsible for. If we were to achieve higher living standards not only in our own country but in all other countries, particularly those in the Pacific, then it was obvious that we had to find a way of exchanging resources of various countries, said Mr. Nash, replying to a question regarding post-war trading developments. This meant expansion of trade to an hitherto unthought degree.

Speaking of his mission in Washington, Mr. Nash said that what had been done by the New Zealand Government during the last seven or eight years in this country and what had been done by New Zealand’s fighting men, had made his task easy.

Peak of Publicity

He had only to talk of what had been clone by New Zealanders in Greece and Crete and other operations, cf fine performances by the Achilles and by New Zealand airmen and the New Zealand Social Security scheme, and New Zealand was right at the peak of publicity in the United States.

Mr. Nash added that he was glad to be back in New Zealand, and when asked if he would like to go back to Washington, he replied: “That is something to be decided by the Prime Minister.”

Mr. Nash said that he was full of plans, both British and American, and would discuss them with the Government.

Asked what relationship there would be between New Zealand currency and sterling if exchange restrictions were completely removed, Mr. Nash said it was obvious that on changed conditions in connection with New Zealand trade, and New Zealand’s currency and balances, that the present rate as between the United Kingdom and United States was not the rate determined by old procedures. It was almost correct to say that no exchange rate today was in accord with measures used prior to the war. It was obvious that discussions should take place soon on that subject.