PEACE IN THE PACIFIC

New Zealand Times, Volume LI, Issue 12022, 27 December 1924, Page 5

PEACE IN THE PACIFIC

DEFENCE AT SINGAPORE INTER-DOMINION AND IMPERIAL POLICY. EMINENT AUSTRALIAN'S VIEWS. Co-operation between Australia and New Zealand on all vital questions of inter-Dominion and Imperial policy was advocated' strongly m tho course of an interview on the trans-Pacific liner, Niagara, by Dr Earle Page, the Treasurer of the Commonwealth of Australia. The brilliant surgeon of New South Wales. —Dr Page, politician and Leader of the Australian Country Party—believes in a sound constitution for both the Individual and the State, and favours a rolbust protection of their interests. He is still the soldier—he was surgeon specialist with the A.I.F. in France and Egypt during the World War—and would like to see the spirit and unity of Australians and New Zealanders in those days of conflict exercised more actively in securing the progress and development of their countries in times of peace. IDENTICAL PROBLEMS.

“The problems facing Australia and Now Zealand,” said Dr Page, “are. practically identical. Consideration of their positions and production shows at a glance how necessary is their coordination and 00-operation in the handling of their defence problems and the disposal of their produce. It would be in the best interests of both dominions if that close association which the New Zealand and the Australian Expeditionary Forces built up in the combination which made the name ‘Anzac’ world-famous were maintained.”

“The future of the Pacifio depends largely on the progress and development of both dominions. The opportunity for their peaceful and unhampered' development depends on the continuous protection by the Imperial navies. I am glad t<> seo that the New Zealand Government and people stand firmly and strongly alongside Australia in her attitude toward the necessity for the construction of the Singapore base. “DESTINIES BOUND TOGETHER.” “We recognise in Australia that the destinies of both dominions are inextricably bound .together. Australia did not look for any form of organic union with New Zealand, but she looks forward to the closest and most cordial co-operation between the two dominions in their future development. I feel that association between New Zealand cannot become too close. The visits of public men from each country to the other should be more frequent, and. speaking for Australia, I can, assure you that New Zealanders will always be cordially welcomed.”

It was obvious that Dr Page was keenly interested' in the Press cablegram from London concerning the prospect of an early conference of Empire Prime Ministers in London to discuss, principally, the Geneva disarmament protoool or preliminary treaty, but he was not prepared to discuss the Imperial policy involved in the important question, “The Commonwealth Government,’’ Dr Paige explained, “will give full consideration to. the .Geneva protocol early in the New Year. Mr Littelton Groom, who 'has been at Geneva, is now on his way to Australia, and will reach Melbourne on January 7th. Immediately upon Mr Groom’s return Hie matter, will be considered.”