DEFENCE POLICY

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 11 May 1939, Page 6

DEFENCE POLICY

LABOUR PARTY CAUCUS APPROVAL OF GOVERNMENT'S ACTION (United Press Association) WELLINGTON, This D*y. Defence was the main subject discussed at the caucus of member* of the Parliamentary Labour Party which was held in Parliament Buildings yesterday. At the conclusion of the day's proceedings in the late afternoon, the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage, said that caucus was to meet again this morning. Present indications were that it would finish to-day. Before settling down to a discussion on defence there had been a general talk on a number of important subject*, including the visit to England by the Minister of Finance, the Hon. W. Nash, the business he was to deal with in London, exchange control, and import selection.

Mr Savage said that caucus had expressed its general approval of what the Government had done for the defence of the country and also of its action in asking for the Pacific defence conference, which was attended by representatives of the United Kingdom, Australian and New Zealand Governments. There were in the Parliamentary Labour Party a number of returned men who had some knowledge of defence, and their opinions were worth something.

“There was general agreement that we have to go right into the question of defence,” said Mr Savage. “It is just a matter of method. I want to get the general mind of members of caucus on defence and of the road we should go. After hearing their views I will feel freer and better able to express the general opinion of Labour on this question when I make my appeal for support for the territorial movement and for fit men up to a certain age to do their part for the defence of this country.’’

Mr Savage said the discussion on defence would be continued when the caucus resumed to-day.