PACIFIC TENSION

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24773, 25 November 1941, Page 6

PACIFIC TENSION

T-lOPES FOR.PEACE NO SACRIFICE OF PRINCIPLE STATEMENT BY MR FRASER (P.A.) WELLINGTON, Nov. 25. "To-day in the Pacific we do not want war," said the Prime Minister, Mr P. Fraser, speaking to-day at the State*luncheon tendered to Mr A. Duff Cooper, British Cabinet Minister. •" We in New Zealand accept in its entirety the declaration of the Atlantic Charter which stands for freedom for all nations and access to the raw materials of the world for all nations. Before that can be brought about all the nations must agree to play the game, and the game is the democratic game and no other. There must be a dignified and creditable understanding on the basis of freedom for all the nations concerned.

" We are living in serious times," the Prime Minister added, "The presence here of Mr Duff Cooper, the presence of British forces in the Pacific, the tension at Washington to-day, and the speech by Mr Churchill at the Mansion House in London the other day are evidence of that. Mr Duff Cooper comes here at a critical time when the outcome may be for good or evil, for peace or war in the Pacific. We profoundly hope and pray that it will be for peace, but however the die is cast one thing is certain; There will be no sacrifice of anv nation and no sacrifice of principle.

"Just as they do in Russia," he added, " we all believe it is better to go down, if need be, in honour than to live in dishonour and betray mankind. The goodwill, comradeship, and strength of the Unitsd Kingdom will be devoted to uplifting mankind, but its strength will be used in full force to the' last ounce of energy and last drop of blood in standing against tyranny from whatever source it may come."' Mr Duff Cooper's Views Mr Duff Cooper said he had seen enough on his brief visit to satisfy him that New Zealanders were 100 per cent, in the war. The past year had been on the whole one of victories, with the defeat of the German day air offensive, the failure of night raids to smash British morale, the wiping out of the Italian armies in Libya and Abyssinia, and the reduction of submarine sinkings. He would not say that the U-boat menace had passed away, but for this year it had been defeated. That was a tremendous victory, perhaps less spectacular but none'the less more important,than the sinking of the Bismarck. Whereas in the summer of last year Britain had stood alone, he continued, now three of the five great Powers —Britain, Russia and the United- States —were ranged on one side. Germany was against them and the fifth was still wavering. The fifth was a Pacific Power which was more closely concerned than any other perhaps with the future of Australia and New Zealand. The Pacific area was going to play a far more important part in the future than in the past. He could see in the future the Pacific looming larger on the horizon, and he hoped that the small British nations of the Pacific would play a great part in the future.

Long Way from Victory Mr Duff Cooper added that he had spoken of the favourable elements in the situation. There were still terrible dangers. They had warded off defeat, but were a long way from the sight of victory. There was still in Europe the most efficient lighting machine the world had ever seen, and the strength of Germany had not been diminished but had been increased by the conquests made. No day should be wasted, no effort should be spared that would make the end of their tribulations come nearer.

The Wellington Town Hall was crowded for the civic reception to Mr Duff Cooper and Lady Diana Duff Cooper, whose arrival at Rongotai from Christchurch by air was delayed until 1.35. The welcome of the citizens was unusually warm, and applause punctuated the whole proceedings.Both the Mayor, Mr T. C. A. Hislop, and the Minister of Finance, Mr W. Nash, stressed the outstanding contribution Mr Duff Cooper had made to Empire politics, particularly during the present war.

Hitler's Aims

Replying, Mr Duff Cooper said the welcome he had received in New Zealand had made him wonder whether he was not enjoying himself too much. There was no harm in pleasure on legitimate occasions, but, as had been suggested by Mr Nash, there were some people who did not realise the seriousness of the present struggle. He had met no one in New Zealand who was not fully seized with the importance i of the present situation facing the world. It was clear that either Hitler and all who supported his cause must be utterly destroyed or else that the British Empire, every part/of it and all it stood for, would become but a memory. Hitler's aim was world conquest. Referring to the closer co-operation which would be brought about by his visit, he said: "We must not expect when the " ICease fire " is sounded that we can all walk into a Utopia. There will be a stern and terrible time to face when the war is over, and the British Commonwealth can take a step towards facing it by getting to know one another better, because it will only be by some international effort that lasting neace can be secured." The British people had shown what could be done by co-operation, he added, and after they had won the war the Empire woulrf'be more solid than ever, and more able to contribute to a finer and better world.