EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXX, 2 October 1936, Page 5

EUROPEAN AFFAIRS

SIR KEITH MURDOCH’S OPINIONS TREMENDOUS NEW FORCES (By Telegraph—Press Association) AUCKLAND, This Day. “I have returned from Europe feeling that the destinies of Australia and New Zealand are irrevocably linked and that they are gravely affected by the tremendous new forces that have arisen in the Continent of Europe,” said Sir Keith Murdoch, of Melbourne, chairman of the Australian Associated Press, who is returning by the Mariposa. He attended the Empire Press Conference in England, and investigated the newsprint making industry in connection with the proposed establishment of plant In Tasmania. Sir Keith, who is a student of European affairs, said he did not want to appear pessimistic, but Australia and New Zealand must give the closest attention to their relationships with Europe and must without delay make their defence organisations effective.

He said that he had travelled extensively in southern Spain. “There can be no doubt,” he said “that the victory of the army which appears certain, is the victory of an effiecient minority over a vast majority. There is undoubtedly strong backing from outside Spain, as well as a wide use of black troops. The outcome will be a military dictatorship.” Reverting to Europe, Sir Keith Murdoch said that Germany was the one country in Europe with readiness to embark upon a great war. Literally millions of Germans were employed in rearmament factories. All Europe was guessing what Hitler intended to do. Hitler’s eyes were turning eastward and it might be possible to prevent more than economic penetration, but Hitler undoubtedly represented almost illimitable forces. Australia and New Zealand should maintain adequate defence organisations.