Claims Anzac Fact Was III-Timed

Northern Advocate, 17 March 1944, Page 3

Claims Anzac Fact Was 111-Timed

CANBERRA. This Day. The agreement between Australia and New Zealand was ill-timed and would cause considerable embarrassment to Australia because of international negotiations, said Senator Hayes (U.A.P.Tasnmnia) in the Senate today. He moved that the agreement be not implemented until the Prime Minister (Air. Curtin) had attended the Imperial Conference "as the contents of the agreement may cause embarrassment to Mr. Curtin in discussing Empire and interAilied questions which form part of the agreement and may prejudice Australia’s position at this conference.” Senator Hayes suggested that the agreement indicated to the world that before it was signed, unhappy relations existed between Australia and New Zealand. The Leader of tho Government (Mr. Keane), said that the agreement indicated close relationship between the two countries. The agreement had been commended by the United States and British Governments. 11 was a step ahead designed to protect both countries. “Burlesque” Pact

Government supporters in the Senate made an unsuccessful attempt to have the debate adjourned.

Senator Mcßride (U.A.P.) said the pact was a “burlesque.” It was the result of a desire for publicity by the Prime Minister (Mr Curtin) and the Minister for External Affairs (Dr Evatl). After appealing to America for aid Australia had now become aggressive and arrogant. "This agreement is a direct affront to all the people from whom we require help and will require help in the future.” Mr Mcßride added. “The agreement has had no effect on the course of the war and will have none at the peace conference." The Leader of the Opposition in the Senate (Senator McLeay) said the pact

“reeked of isolationism.” It did not reflect the views of the Australian public nor the considered opinion of Parliament. Senator Spicer (U.A.P.) said it was presumptuous of the Governments of Australia and New Zealand to have made the pact without consulting Great Britain and the United States. He accused the Government of censoring unfavourable comments on the pact in America. The debate was finally adjourned.