N.Z. ARMED FORCES

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 18 April 1944, Page 2

N.Z. ARMED FORCES

TRANSFER OF MEN FOR FOOD PRODUCTION

SIR FRASER TALKS TO THE PRESS ( Rec. 11.35 a.m.) Washington, April 17. The Prime Minister of New Zealand. Rt. Hon. p. Fraser, addressing a press conference, said New Zealand was temporarily transferring a number of suitable skilled men from the armed forces in order to arrest the decline m food production which threatens to have worldwide implications and to affect substantial food increases. The decision was taken upon the advice of the combined British and American chiefs of stall'. Mr Fraser added that he expected l o give the Senate Foreign Relations Committee a detailed statement of the New Zealand policy in the Pacific arising from the agreement with Australia "in order to remove the idea of the inevitability of friction.” Mr Fraser added: “Large manpower demands had strained our resources so we were unable at the critical time to produce enough food to meet increasing demands of the United States forces and the United Kingdom. We are prepared to accept the direction of those responsible for global strategy. The combined chiefs of staff advised us to niake a temporary transfer to food production of a number of men who will be placed on leave and will be liable for recall to active service al any time.” Mr Fraser indicated that his appearance before the Senate Committee was partially designed to clear up misunderstandings which may exist in the United Slates regarding New Zealand’s policy, and added: “Some wrong impressions of New Zealand's attitude have been spread by prominent men travelling around.” He declared, too, that difficulties were anticipated in the negotiations for the future use of American bases on islands controlled by New Zealand. Mr Fraser emphasised that such questions arc matters for diplomatic settlement. He said it would be a good idea to hold a conference of nationals interested in the South Pacific and suggested that Mr Hull take the initiative. Mr Fraser said he intended to broach the subject with British officials in London.