MR SAVAGE NOT SATISFIED

Southland Times, Issue 23227, 16 June 1937, Page 5

MR SAVAGE NOT SATISFIED

Work Of Imperial Conference OBJECTION TO TERMS OF REPORT DOMINIONS’ VIEWS NOT IN CONFORMITY (United Press Assn.—Telegraph Copyright) LONDON, June 14.The attitude of the Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr M. J. Savage) caused a difficulty in the drafting of statements to be made public by the Imperial Conference, says the political correspondent of the Australian Associated Press. The Empire Prime Ministers resumed their meeting this afternoon. They are endeavouring to complete a summary of the procedure for the conference’s most important document, comprising what can be revealed to the public about the deliberations, on foreign affairs and defence. It was clear at the outset that little if any would be available for publication about the confidential aspects of the discussions. The drafting of these has not proved troublesome, but Mr Savage disagreed with sections of the report and insisted on the inclusion of references to a higher standard of living for the masses. Some of the delegates disliked what they considered to be Mr Savage’s intrusion of politics as distinct from the more Imperial viewpoint, but Mr Savage was adamant. It has been evident for some considerable time that Mr Savage has been displeased with the progress of the Imperial Conference and has freely expressed himself inside the conference. Mr Savage’s is essentially an individual viewpoint. Mr W. L. Mackenzie King’s persistently expressed fears of internal complications in Canada, and General J. B. M. Hertzog’s timidity, caused by fear of the Opposition, have from the outset rendered far-reaching agreement on vital matters impossible. The Australian Prime Minister (Mr J. A. Lyons) has frequently acted as mediator, even attacking those criticizing Britain’s foreign policy. It is ironic that Mr Lyons who, with an election imminent, had more to risk politically than anyone, was the most fearless and frank Dominion Prime Minister. The three reports of committees issued this morning confirm the expectations that although the conference generally expresses a full realization of the various problems confronting the Empire it does little to suggest a large measure of unity in dealing with them. The tendency throughout appears to be a willingness to pursue policies of vigorous co-operation and consultation but without laying down a definite line of action.

It seems that a more tangible result is more likely to emerge now and in the future from bilateral conversations that from a full, constituted,conference in which each of the Dominions’ differing viewpoints render it difficult to achieve uhity on major or even minor questions—as illustrated by the rejection of the relatively unimportant Empire Agricultural Council suggested by Australia. The final meeting takes place tomorrow at St. James’s Palace.

NEW ZEALAND AND PROPOSED PACT WORKERS’ WELFARE FIRST CONSIDERATION LONDON, June 14. The Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr M. J. Savage) made an outspoken statement to the Australian Associated Press on the New Zealand Government’s attitude towards the proposed Anglo-American trade agreement. He declared that he would not be a party to any negotiations likely to increase unemployment in New Zealand or adversely affect the income of the workers and producers. Any discussion about altering the trend of world trade was futile and would not strike at the roots of the problem. The solution lay in increasing trade by increasing wages and therefore the purchasing power of the workers. This would have to be taken into consideration in any negotiations with America. The New Zealand Government remained loyal to the policy of the Imperial preferences. It had not much faith in achieving prosperity by means of juggling tariffs, but it would nevertheless welcome an agreement between the Empire and America based on the ideals for which America and New Zealand stood. “Mr Roosevelt, like my Government, aims at raising wages,” added Mr Savage. “He realizes that the only advantage from increasing the efficiency of machines lies in giving the workers more leisure. He has already succeeded to a considerable extent and can be forgiven for the failures for the sake of his aims and what he has already accomplished. I personally admire Mr Roosevelt as much as I detest men who wait for something to turn up. “There is the greatest sympathy in New Zealand with the American experiment for the sake of the common ideals on which it is based. If other countries followed similar objectives they would go far to solve the world’s problems. Therein lies a solid foundation for any agreement between America and the Empire. Meanwhile the New Zealand Government will wait until detailed proposals have been submitted.”