POST-WAR BASES

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 24832, 2 March 1944, Page 5

POST-WAR BASES

CANADA AND PACIFIC

RIGHTS FOR UNITED STATES (Rccd. 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 20 Canada expects that after the war the United States will insist on having bases on Canadian soil for defence against possible aggression, said Mr. George Ferguson, editor of the Winnipeg Free Press, in a broadcast. He added that the close daily cultural and economic connection between Canada and the United States and also Canada's geographical position limit Canada's freedom of action in relation to the Empire. "Canada recognises fully that there are great identical interests between her and other members of the British Commonwealth of Nations," said Mr. Ferguson, "but we recognise also that, lying as we do between two very great Powers—Britain-and the United' States —it is vital for our own security that those two great Powers should always be in agreement. Difficulty for Canada "It is, consequently, also very difficult for Canada to fall in with the plans and ambitions for what is called a common Imperial foreign policy. Canadians are likely to reply to that proposal that the dominant voice in framing a common Imperial foreign policy is bound to be the voice of Britain, and they will ask immediately if British policy is running square with or counter to American policy." The annexation of Japanese-mandated Pacific islands by the United States after the war because there is no friendly Power which can defend or hold is advocated by the New York Herald-Tribune's commentator, Walter Lippmann. "Without them," he says, "we cannot ensure post-war communication with our Chinese allies. Allied-owned Islands

"However, this .issue must not be confused with other Paojfic islands belonging to Australia, New Zealand, France, tho Netherlands and Portugal. It is in the United States' manifest interost that these islands should bo strongly held by these Allied nations. If ive hold the Central Pacific to the Philippines, then the burden of governing, manning and fortifying the South Pacific should be carried out by the nations already there. "In discussions for peace in the Pacific, it will be advisable to divide primary responsibility at the Equator and then negotiate agreements on the principle that each nation which is a party to them will organise the defences of its islands and maintain its own armaments on an agreed level. These arrangements should, without doubt, include reciprocal privileges for naval and air bases in all the islands belonging to the United Nations, but let us not forget that what would make valuable the privilege of using a naval base in Australia and New Zealand are the power and will of the Australians and New Zealanders to defend, maintain and support it."

NEW AMERICAN AIMS EXTENDING INFLUENCE LEGISLATION RECOMMENDED (Reed. 10.50 p.m.) NEW YORK. March 1 President Roosevelt, in a message to Congress, recommended legislation extending the western hemisphere's "good neighbour programme" to other parts of the world. The New York Times correspondent in Washington says the proposed legislation would authorise Mr. Roosevelt to develop cultural and co-operative programmes with other countries, as he may consider it justified in the furtherance of United States purposes in the present war and after it. The acting-Secretary of State, Mr. Edward Stettinius, told a press conference that Mr. Roosevelt's programme sought the authority to promote projects involving education, culture, public safety, health and international highways. He added that the widening of American responsibilities required a co-ordinated programme to promote mutual understanding with other peoples, particularly as the lend-lease agreements committed signatories to collaboration for an indefinite period after the war. The Herald-Tribune says it understands that the Department of State contemplates the projection of the American way of life to Europe, Africa and Asia. If Congress approves Mr. Roosevelt's request, a basis will also be provided for continuing the propaganda activities of the Office of War Information after the war.

MR. NASH IN LONDON AIR RAID EXPERIENCE (Special Correspondent) LONDON, Feb. '2O During a recent air raid on London, both the New Zealand Minister to Washington, Mr. Nash, and his secretary, Mr. T. R. Aickin, were in a building when a high explosive bomb fell not far away. Mr. Nash had just then been asked what he felt about the raids, and was replying, "I suppose you have to take them as they come." He was still talking when there was a terrific explosion which blew in windows and put out all the electric lights. Fortunately, neither Mr. Nash nor Mr. Aickin were injured. Several casualties were subsequently brought into the building for first-aid treatment. The main purpose of the visit of Mr. Nash to London—to discuss with Mr. Churchill the best use of New Zealand manpower—has been accomplished. It was of a confidential character. Mr. Nash is now devoting attention to other matters of an equally confidential nature, which may keep lnm in London for a further few weeks.

Mr. Nash attended a meeting of the War Cabinet, at which Mr. Churchill presided. He has also given a series of private talks to several groups of people, including the National Council of Labour, the committee considering post-war matters, the Empire Committee of the Federation of British Industries, where lie talked on post-war policy, the Overseas League, the Empire Parliamentary Association, and the Fabian Society. Ho also has had two talks with Mr. S. M. Bruce, Australian High Commissioner. INTERNEES OF JAPAN VATICAN RELIEF SCHEME (Itecd. 5.35 p.m.) NEW DELHI, Feb. 20 The Government of India has been informed that the Vatican has persuaded the Japanese Government to permit representatives of the Holy See in Malaya, Dutch East Indies, and the Philippines, to administer relief to internees in those areas. Sir Mahomed IJsinan, a member of the Executive Council, said that the Vatican had recently supplied funds for the purpose, and the scheme applied equally to all British subjects in internment camps. TRANSATLANTIC FLIGHT NEW RECORD ESTABLISHED (Reed. 5.35 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 20 A n,ew record for the transatlantic non-stop flight from Britain to Montreal has been made by a transport plane operated by Transatlantic Airlines. The time was 13 hours 16 minutes, 14 minutes less than the previous fastest trip, which was made by a British Overseas Airways Corporation plane in 1911.

The aircraft carried seven passengers, 82911b. of mail and 4001b. of military aircraft parts. Captain A Rankin was the pilot,