FUTURE PEACE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 80, 12 June 1945, Page 4

FUTURE PEACE

TOLERANCE TOWARDS RUSSIA VIEWS OF MR S. G. HOLLAND RETURN FROM OVERSEAS VISIT Aaeklaad, June 11. "It is patent to anyone who considers international affairs and problems that the future peace of the world depends on the extent to which the major nations can jprork together and trust and understand each other,” said the Leader < v the Opposition, Mr Holland, who returned to Auckland td-day after an overseas visit of 12 weeks to Great Britain, the Continent, and the United States, in company with Mr Doidge, M.P. ‘tit is a great disappointment to the world that the San Francisco confer ence has been unable to arrive at an agreement for the future world organisation to ensure peace by democratic n.*-thods.” said Mr Holland. ‘The determination of Russia to retain the right of veto is difficult to understand and makes a workable formula impossible. In considering Russia’s position, however, we must try to see her point of view and remember she harbours a natural suspicion of international agree, fnents. Russia remembers how Italy was allowed to overrun Ethiopia and how Japan invaded Manchuria with impunity, and she has not forgotten that for many years after the last war she was virtually an outcast among nations. This is in contrast with to-day, when she is powerful and when her membership in the world organisation and her concurrence in the decisions of the other nations is being so keenly nought. On the other hand, we find •t difficult to understand her attitude on the Polish and other questions. “This all adds up to mean that it is of supreme importance that we should endeavour to win the confidence of the Russian people and Government. Old prejudices die hard and we canno) expect other nations to consider and decide on questions according to British standards and customs. It is of overwhelming importance that we should be tolerant toward Russia and her point of view, and every possible step must be taken to acquaint ourselve s of her outlook and aspirations.”

Emphasising the need for a strong British Empire and binding unity among the English speaking nations, Mr Holland said America made a magnificent war effort and a much greater one than was generally realised. There was no question of her attitude toward the war against Japan, into which she was throwing all her limitless resources. So great were her resources in materials and manpower that she was still very strong and a great creditor nation. Britain. however was forced in sheer selfdefence in the early stages of the war to sell overseas assets and. also committed herself to £300.000.000 of undischarged debts, mainly with her own allies.

A strong British Empire was vital to world peace and New Zealand, as a member of the Empire family, had a definite part t<* play in helping Britain to recover her lost oversea* trade. The leaders of British industry left no room for doubt that Britain would recover her trade at all costs and there was remarkable unanimity among employers and employees that such recovery was vital to the success of both. It was not difficult to read between the lines that those countries which locked out British JBoods were adoptme a suicidal policy and there was a wor;\whi!| lesson here for New Zealand to take to heart.

"Next in importance to a strong British Empire is the need for a strong combination of the English-speaking peoples,” continued Mr Holland. “Die United States and Britain have learned to work together successfully In war and have won the respect of one another. Active i steps, therefore, must be taken to ensure that the ground won is not lost. From my discussions with President Truman 10 days ago I feel confident that he is a firm friend of the British Empire and anxious to maintain friendly Anglo-American relations. The American people, lik* those of Britain, are determined that never again will they be lulled into a false sense of security and allow themselves to become weak in any field.”