DOMINION’S POLICY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25514, 19 April 1944, Page 4

DOMINION’S POLICY

MR FRASER EXPLAINS QUESTIONS IN WASHINGTON

WASHINGTON, Apt. 17. (Rec. Apl. 18, 6.30 p.m.) The New Zealand Prime Minister, Mr Peter Fraser, addressing a press conference, said that New Zealand was temporarily transferring a number of suitable skilled men from the armed forces in order to arrest the decline in food production which threatened to have world-wide implications, and to effect substantial food increases. The decision was taken upon the advice of the combined British and American chiefs of staff. Mr Fraser added that he expects to give the Senate Foreign Relations Committee a detailed statement of New Zealand’s policy in the Pacific arising from the agreement with Australia in “ order to remove the idea of the inevitability of friction.” “The large man-power demands have strained our resources so that we are unable at a critical time to produce enough food to meet the increasing demands of the United States forces and the United Kingdom,” said Mr Fraser. “ We are prepared to accept the direction of those responsible for global strategy. The combined staffs advised us to make a temporary transfer to food production of a number of men who will be placed on leave, and will be liable for recall to active service at any time.” Wrong Impressions

Mr Fraser indicated that his appearance before the Senate Committee was partly designed to clear up and misunderstanding which may exist in the United States regarding New Zealand’s policy. He added that some wrong impressions of New Zealand’s attitude were spread by prominent men travelling around. He declared that no difficulties were anticipated in negotiations for the future use of American bases on islands controlled by New Zealand. Mr Fraser emphasised that such questions were matters for diplomatic settlement. He said it would be a good idea to hold a conference of nations interested in the South Pacific, and suggested that the Secretary of State, Mr Cordell Hull, should take the initiative in regard to this. Mr Fraser added that he intended to broach the subject with British officials in London. Mr Fraser issued a lengthy statement on co-operation in the South Pacific, in which he said: “ New Zealand realises that the security and future development of the Pacific can be satisfactorily achieved only in co-operation with the United States. I would like to emphasise that the foreign policy of Australia and New Zealand is based on friendship and collaboration with the United States, Britain, and other countries having interests and responsibilities in the Pacific. The fine spirit of mutual assistance and open co-opera-tion between the United States and our people during the war will, we hope, remain a permanent policy of mutual collaboration after the war.” He added that he saw no cause for differences and every cause for agreement. Defence and Air Bases Questioned about the reported differences of views on Commonwealth policy, among -Mr Mackenzie King, Lord Halifax. Mr Curtin, and General Smuts, he said he believed that any reported differences were more apparent than real, adding that emphasis on the differences had obscured much of the similarity of views. Mr Fraser said he saw no difficulties after the war regarding defence or air bases. Tentatively New Zealand might like to see a single United Nations' airline in the Pacific, but, if not, then any reasonable international arrangement. If various lines operated, New Zealand would want reciprocal landing rights in Hawaii and on the west coast of the United States. Mr Fraser reiterated that the Canberra agreement was only for discussions. Fixed prior agreements would destoy the effectiveness of the world organisation which he hoped would arise.

Mr Fraser pointed out that New Zealand’s war casualties were greater in proportion to its population than those of any ally, except possibly Russia.

Members of the House and the Senate gave a reception to Mr Fraser and the four British parliamentarians who are going tq New Zealand and Australia.