WAR SANCTIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22247, 23 October 1935, Page 12

WAR SANCTIONS

DOMINION'S ATTITUDE SPECIAL BILL PENDING [BY TELEGRAPH. —SPECIAL REPORTER! "WELLINGTON", Tuesday The reference by the Minister of Finance, Mr. Coates, in his speech at Masterton last night, to the application of sanctions against Italy was one of the main topics of conversation in Parliament circles to-day. Following on Mr. Coates' statement, it was announced by the Prime Minister, Mr. Forbes, that a special bill giving effect to the Government's policy in regard to sanctions would be brought down, before the end of the session. Mr. Coates also made another reference to the matter. He said there appeared to bo some misunderstanding regarding his statement that the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. M. J. Savage, and Mr. W. Nash had had a conference with the Prime Minister and himself to discuss the position. "In the desire to enable the people of New Zealand to speak with one voice on an issue of s>uch importance," Mr. Coates continued, "the communications which passed between the British Government and the New Zealand Government were shown to Mr. Savage and Mr. Nash and discussed with them. "I wish to make it clear that the Labijur Party was in no way committed by this procedure or these discussions. A copy of the proposed bill to give effect to the Government's intentions in the matter was given to Mr. Savage in order that it might be discussed by the caucus of the Labour Party. It was understood that the communications between the two Governments were to be regarded as confidential." A Labour Party caucus was held this morning, and, although it was admitted that Mr. Coates' reference to the sanctions question had been discussed, no statement was made as to the party's attitude.