STAND AT GENEVA

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23121, 20 August 1938, Page 17

STAND AT GENEVA

ME. JORDAN'S ATTITUDE A CRITICAL OPPOSITION DEFENCE BY MR. SAVAGE [JIV TELEGRAPH —SPECIAL REPORTER 1 WELLING TON, Friday The action of Now Zealand's' representative at the League of Nations at Geneva in adopting an attitude at variance with that of the rest of the .British Commonwealth was questioned by mouthers of the Opposition during consideration of the Estimates of the Prime Minister's Department in the House of Representatives to-day. The Prime Minister, Mr. Savage, replied that the Now Zealand Government did nothing at Geneva that had not already boon discussed with the British Government and with the High Commissioner, Mr. W. J. Jordan, who was the Dominion's representative at the League. The subject was raised by the Leader of the Opposition, the Hon. A. Hamilton, who said that New Zealand was part of the British Commonwealth of Nations and that one woidd expect that its delegates would speak with the other representatives of the Commonwealth with a united voice at Geneva. He had no objection to New Zealand expressing her own viewpoint as an independent nation, but if she were to remain in co-operation and close association with Great Britain it would be far better to subseribo to the considered British viewpoint.

Not Place for Party Ideas There hfttl been one experience of New Zealand's delegate expressing an opinion at variance .with that of other parts of the Empire, Mr. Hamilton continued, and it would bo in the interests of this country in future to talk the position over with the other British delegates beforehand and reach a united opinion. He questioned the wisdom of thrashing out in public a viewpoint that might or might not be in accord with public opinion in New Zealand. It might be in accord with the opinion of the Government in power, but the League of Nations was not a place for the expression of party ideas. Air. Hamilton added that the High Commissioner had expressed an opinion that might tend to force the British Government to do something that might result in war. Instructions from Government " I am not in a position to discuss British foreign policy on the Estir mates," said Mr. Savage. "There is no question of importance discussed in the League of Nations that we don't know something about from the British Government. The same thing applies to the High Commissioner and he is second to none and has done very well. " He receives his instructions from the Government and has carried them out admirably. While we did not agree 011 all the questions discussed at the Imperial Conference we agreed all the time on what we would do if it came to the worst."

Mr. W. A. Bodkin (Opposition—Central Otago) said it was not a matter of discussing British foreign policy, as suggested by the Prime Minister, but a question of the attitude of New Zealand's representative at Geneva. Before the present Government assumed office it was customary for representatives of the Empire to have a conference beforehand and settle their differences, if any, and then speak with one voice to the world. Time for Discussion Wanted

Nothing was to be gained by New Zealand adopting an independent attitude, but there was much to be lost, Mr. Bodkin said. The attitude of NewZealand's representative might involve the Empire in very serious consequences. " I have always felt that the expenditure on representation at Geneva was justified," said the Rt. Hon. G. "W. Forbes (Opposition—Hurunui), "but having spent that money it will be a dreadful thing if the result is only disputes and arguments among the Empire's delegates. Parliament has never had an opportunity of discussing Mr. Jordan's attitude at Geneva and the matter is one on which it should have some say."

J\lr. Savage: When you were Prime Minister did you consult Parliament before your representative said anything at Geneva? Mr. Forbes: The Government has to take the responsibility if it is the cause of a split with other members of the Commonwealth. Mr. Savage: You are talking about something that lias not happened and is not'likely to happen. Mr. Forbes said that in view of the distinct departure from the policy of the past the House should be given an opportunity of discussing Mr. Jordan's attitude. He asked if the House would be given an opportunity to discuss the report of New Zealand's representative at Geneva. Mr. Savage: If there is time, yes.

THE COOK ISLANDS JUDGE AYSON'S POSITION TRIBUTE BY MR. HOLLAND [BY TKIiEGK.VPII —SFECIAL REPORTER I WELLINGTON, Friday The action of the Government in sending Judge H. F. Ayson back to the Cook Islands as Resident Commissioner was commended by Mr. S. G. Holland (Opposition—Christchurch North) during the discussion on the estimates of the Jjxternal Affairs Department in the House of Representatives to-day. Judge Ayson should never have been taken awav, said Mr. Holland. He was a very capable officer and an outstanding personality in the Islands. It was almost certain that a good deal of the trouble brewing in the Cook Islands would now disappear. Mr. Holland said the Government had spent money on sending a Parliamentary delegation to the Cook Islands. He had had tho honour of being n member of the delegation, but lie regretted that tho Government had not seen fit to consult him on one single question affecting tho territory, il his advice had been sought it would have been given readily. Ho was prepared at all times to make what contribution ho could toward the happiness of the natives.