VALUABLE TALKS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26559, 6 September 1947, Page 8

VALUABLE TALKS

CONFERENCE ON JAPANESE PEACE TREATY PRIME MINISTER RETURNS P.A. AUCKLAND, Sept. 5. - “I ave never attended an international conference pervaded by a more friendly spirit,” said the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, on his return by flying boat after attending the conference at Canberra of British Commonwealth Governments on the Japanese peace treaty. The meeting was in every sense a family gathering and it was a most encouraging and inspiring occasion. As a result of the discussions, he felt certain that the British Commonwealth delegations would be able to make a much more valuable contribution to the success of the final conference than would otherwise have been the case. Enforcement of Disarmament Mr Fraser said the constructive and responsible attitude of the delegations was due in large measure to the fact that the countries represented had taken an active part in the Allied effort which defeated Japan. Each was fully conscious of the need to share in the enforcement of measures which would be incorporated in the treaty to keep Japan disarmed. “Points of difference were very few,” he said. It was clear that a very close correspondence of outlook on the various aspects of the occupation and the current situation in Japan, as well as the peace treaty, exists among the members of the Commonwealth. “The New Zealand interest in the settlement,” Mr Fraser added. “ was primarily one of security and the New Zealand delegation at the (conference had this interest firmly in mind throughout the discussions. At the same time, we were very conscious of the fact that to deprive Japan ,of the power of aggression was only one half of our purpose, and that if we are to gain long-term security, the Japanese must be encouraged to develop along peaceful and democratic lines. It is necessary not merely to remove the Japanese means of waging war, but of even more importance is the necessity for removing the will to wage war.” It was clear that Japan’s economy musL be sufficient to maintain her. “ Obviously, the positive side of the peace settlement is largely one for the Japanese to work out themselves,” Mr Fraser said. “ The immediate concern of the peace treaty is to ensure that the demilitarisation of Japan is maintained and it is evident that some form of effective post-treaty supervision will be required to secure compliance with the treaty provisions.” Preparation of Policy Statement Mr Fraser said that an opportunity would be taken as soon as possible to discuss in Parliament the issues of peace settlement as they now presented themselves, and to present to Parliament a statement of policy which might guide the New Zealand delegation which would share with the other Pacific belligerents in the task of drafting the treaty.