POSSIBILITY OF ISOLATION

Southland Times, Issue 23774, 23 March 1939, Page 6

POSSIBILITY OF ISOLATION

DOMINION AS INDUSTRIAL COUNTRY (United Press Association) AUCKLAND, March 22. The possibility of New Zealand, because of the trend of world events, being isolated from the rest of the world for years was mentioned by the Prime Minister in an interview. Mr Savage was asked whether he visualized New Zealand being an industrial country. “To a large extent I do,” he replied. “I do not say this merely because I have certain ideas in my own mind, but because of the trend of world events. Most countries are providing for themselves in the way of primary production today, or at least the countries which are doing so are increasing in numbers. Foreign or international relationships are changing so rapidly at the present time as to make it possible for a country like New Zealand to be isolated from the rest of the world for years. “You will see, therefore, that you do not only have a normal trend towards what is called economic nationalism, but it is a natural trend to produce what you need. International relationships today are in such a position that they make it possible for conflicts to arise which may keep New Zealand isolated. For that reason it is our bounden duty to prepare for the worst, not only in defence along ordinary lines, but in industrial development upon which the defence of the country will largely depend. The more self-reliant a country is the less likely will it be that we will find ourselves in difficulties if international conflicts take place.”