ROLE OF TROOPS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27474, 22 August 1950, Page 4

ROLE OF TROOPS

Unit For Korea TALKS WITH MR MENZIES Serious Problems Faced PA WELLINGTON, Aug. 21. The role of New Zealand and Australian troops as part of the United Nations forces in Korea was among subjects discussed at a private 90minute meeting this afternoon between the Prime Minister of Australia, Mr Menzies, and the Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr Holland. The talks were held at Parliament Buildings. Mr Holland, in an interview later, said the main impression he gained from the talks was the seriousness of the problems confronting the two countries. Mr Menzies arrived at- Parliament Buildings shortly after 3 p.m., accompanied by his personal assistant, Mr J. R. Willoughby, and the secretary to the Federal Cabinet, Mr A. Brown. He was met on the steps by Mr Holland, who showed him through the Upper and Lower House Chambers. In the Upper House Mr Menzies asked what the Government proposed to do with the Chamber after the Legislative Council went out of existence. “ The matter is under careful consideration.” Mr Holland said in reply. Mr Menzies showed particular interest in the overhead network of microphones used in the broadcasting of Lower House proceedings, and said that in the Federal Parliament microphones stood on the floor. M!r Menzies was introduced by Mr Holland to members of Cabinet, who were in the middle of their usual weekly meeting. He will attend a special meeting of Cabinet at 10 a.m. tomorrow to enable all members to hear at first hand an account of his tour. Later the two Prime Ministers will continue their private discussions and attend a State luncheon at which Mr Menzies will be the guest of honour. “The discussions so far have been most helpful,” said Mr Holland. While abroad, Mr Menzies had met most of the leading figures in world affairs and had collected much valuable information. The matters he had been investigating were as important to New Zealand as they were to Australia. Referring to the magnitude of the problems confronting the two countries, Mr Holland said anyone who pretended difficulties did not exist or minimised their seriousness did his country a grave disservice. The greatest danger there could be to the peace of the world was for those responsible for maintaining peace to imagine the problems would solve themselves in some indefinable way. “We cannot be blind to our obligations,” Mr Holland said.

Mr Menzies, immediately after the State luncheon tomorrow, will leave for Auckland and Sydney.