EQUAL SHARE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23999, 24 June 1941, Page 6

EQUAL SHARE

AUSTRALIAN MATERIALS ?

HELP FOR NEW ZEALAND MR. SEMPLE'S STATEMENT A statement that Australia 'had agreed to the important principle of sharing her materials of war with New Zealand was made yesterday by the Minister of National Service, the Hon. E. Semple, who returned by the Mariposa after conducting a secret mission to the Commonwealth. "Everyone with whom 1 discussed New Zealand problems, including the War Cabinet," said Mr. Semple, "accepted the principle that New Zealand and Australia should work in the closest co-operation in the war period. They recognise that New Zealand's defence is Australia's defence, and that the safety of New Zealand is the safety of Australia.

"They recognise that, for the common good and the Commonwealth's good, we should pool our resources and pull together as never before. This has been unanimously accepted by everyone I have seen, and they have agreed to treat us on the same level, iust as if we were a part of the Commonwealth, and so far as materia! is concerned they will share equally with us. "I set out to try to get them to agree to that," said .Air. -Semple, "and I have succeeded. I am delighted with the results of my mission, I think the treatment Australia is prepared to give us is all we can ask for." In answer to a question as to how soon the result of Australia's acceptance of this principle would be noticed by New Zealand, Air. Semple said that to an extent it would become apparent immediately. However, it would become increasingly noticeable as Australia's new industries began to reach maximum output

Mr. Semple said his mission was to search for raw materials and articles for war purposes, and was strictly confined to that. In carrying out his mission, lie had travelled thousands of miles, and had inspected every munition works and all prospective developments for the production of materials of war. "Australia is on the eve of big things," said Mr. Semple. "Although it will probably be some time before some of Australia's new ventures will be in full production, I was amazed at the development that has taken place."