POLITICAL UNITY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23718, 26 July 1940, Page 11

POLITICAL UNITY

EFFORT IN AUSTRALIA LABOUR AND CABINET COMPROMISE SUGGESTION [from our own correspondent] MELBOURNE, July 20 Proposals for Labour participation in a National Government, on lines which would not conflict with the spirit of Federal conference resolutions favouring a National War Council, are likely to be discussed by the Parliamentary Labour Party in Canberra before Parliament reassembles on August 6. It is strongly suggested in official Labour circles that the formation of a National War Cabinet, constituted similarly to that set up in New Zealand, might provide an acceptable compromise between a. straight-out coalition of Labour, Country Party, and United Australia Party forces, and the War Council idea, which has not found favour with Mr. Menzics' Government. Further Discussions In the meantime, viewed in the light of unofficial discussions now proceed' ing in Labour ranks, great political significance must be attached to a considered statement issued this week by Mr. Curtin. Opposition leader. In it he said that the Opposition recognised its responsibilities to the people, and disclosed that further discussions on the Labour conference proposals would take place at the pre-scssional party meeting. The fact that a Labour Government in, New Zealand has been able to achieve an apparently satisfactory degree of political unity by establishing a National War Cabinet, in which rival parties do not sink their identities, may vitally influence the Labour presessional discussions.

Mr. Curtin said:—"The questions arising from the decision of the Commonwealth Labour conference that a National War Council should be established will be dealt with when the Federal Parliamentary Labour Party meets in Canberra next month." War Council Rejected

In a letter to Mr. Curtin on July 32, Mr. Menzies stated: —"Cabinet is of the opinion that no good purpose would be served by the constitution of a National War Council. An advisory council, whose advice is to be worth anything, must have knowledge at least equal to that of the Cabinet, and it is unreasonable that such complete and confidential knowledge should he given to a body which accepts no responsibility for decisions made or action taken.

"It is fully appreciated that you and your colleagues have been helpful and co-operative, and your proposal for a National War Council has, therefore, not been lightly rejected."