No Sign Yet of Prime Ministers’ Conference

Otago Daily Times, Issue 26780, 25 May 1948, Page 5

No Sign Yet of Prime Ministers’ Conference

From A. W. Mitchell,

N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent LONDON, May 23

Although Mr Ernest Bevin endorsed Mr Attlee's hope for a meeting of Commonwealth Prime Ministers “ soon" during his review of foreign affairs at Scarborough, there is, ’at the moment of writing, no indication that any definite steps have yet been taken by Mr Attlee, Mr Bevin, or anybody else in London' to sound the views of Commonwealth Prime Ministers on the subject. At New Zealand House, the High Commissioner, Mr W. J. Jordan, says that so far as he knows there- have been no inquiries going out from official London circles to Mr Fraser to secure his reactions. It is possible, of course, that both Mr Attlee and Mr Bevin are awaiting reactions from the various Prime Ministers to statements made in London and Scarborough. Mr Bevin definitely wants to discuss the Western Union with them, for his foreign policy is based, according to his remarks, on harnessing “ tlie Commonwealth and our overseas territories, for which we are jointly responsible, to the skill, ability, and productive capacity of the West.” By the development of Western European productive capacity and this “ harnessing ” he sees the solution of Britain’s balance of payments, and a continuing rise in the standard of living for the peoples of Africa, Asia, and other undeveloped countries. “ Now that,” declared Mr Bevin, with one eye on Mr K. Zillacus and his criticisms, “ is the British foreign policy.” The Foreign Secretary, it is

remarked, sees no contradiction between European union and Britain's Commonwealth connections. In fact, he believes that if Britain limits herself to the Commonwealth alone, it will not be sufficient for planning the economy of the West. The comment of the Manchester Guardian is: “ Perhaps the dominion Ministers may want to have moire positive assurances that we know where we are going and what we are committing ourselves to.” This paper’s diplomatic correspondent comments that, although many people had hoDed Mr Bevin would give a clearer indication of the way he conceives Western union should develop, he had failed to do so. The correspondent comnlains that the British Government’s views are wrapped in mystery. Mr Bevin, he Doints out. said: “We must nroceed to develop regional pacts or collective security where we can, and not wait for the final agreement of everybody. Those who want to c r ne in, let them come in. That will ultimately. I think, lead to universal collective securitv and region?' arrangements.” Later, he suggested that Britain should “ coalesce ” with “ likeminded European States and harmonise her economic and defence policies. The correspondent remarks: “ These phrases do not make clear what is in the Foreign Secretary’s mind.” There seems to be no doubt: that a Commonwealth Prime Ministers’ conference wou’ 1 help not only Mr Bevin, but the dominion representatives, to clear their minds. It was notable that very little attention was paid to the Commonwealth at Scarborough. There was one delegate, however, who did, but perhaps it would be kinder not to use his name.