Talks At Canberra Near Ideal -Fraser

Northern Advocate, 3 September 1947, Page 6

Talks At Canberra Near Ideal -Fraser

(Rec. I p.m.) CANBERRA. This Day. "In the prayer that is read in the House of Representatives in Wellington there is a plea for the laying aside of prejudices and partial affections,” said the New Zealand Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) in his closing speech to the Empire Conference on Japan. That is a very difficult thing to do. “I am afraid that members of the House will never be able to live up to it. “I confess that I personally have never risen to that height. "I believe thai at tins conference wc have come nearer to that ideal than we have ever done before and that we shall go away inspired. VALUABLE EXPERIENCE “When I was asked in the New Zealand Parliament: ‘ What are you going to speak about? What is your attitude to be?’ I replied: ‘ I cannot say. I have some idea what are the feelings of the other Dominions and the Mother Country. When I return I shall be able to say what the general consensus of opinion was.’ “I shall certainly report that my experience has been most valuable, and that we are indebted to the Australian Government for having called the conference, for the efficiency of the ararrangements it has made, for the cordiality of its welcome and the overwhelming nature of its hospitality and for having set the keynote of our deliberations. “Inside the boundaries of Cairo. Yalta and Potsdam we have shown that a lot of good can be done.” LASTING SETTLEMENT The conference concluded its business sessions yesterday. The, exchanges of views on aspects of the occupation, the current situation in Japan and the scope and character of the peace settlement, have been of great value.

It was clear that each member retained independence and freedom from commitment, but that the delegates were animated by a common desire to secure a democratic and lasting peace settlement. The discussions showed wide harmony of views among the nations of the British Empire, and also that a close correspondence existed between those views and the views of the United States. SEEK EARLY CONFERENCE The desire was expressed that the peace conference should be called without delay and that it should begin on a policy-making level; also that, on analogy with the Far Eastern Commission, all members of the United Nations who made a direct contribution to winning the Pacific war should be represented, including the new Dominion of Pakistan, which is expected to be admitted to the United Nations shortly. Although no formal decisions were taken agreement was reached on limitation of Japanese territory and encouragement of democratic institutions in Japan. Delegates paid particular attention to the development and protection of trade unions as an essential element in encouraging democracy. Delegates noted with approval the principles underlying the new Japanese Constitution.

It was felt that the restrictions irinposed on the Japanese economy should not go beyond what was demanded by considerations of military security.