The Southland Times. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1940. The Struggle for Unity

Southland Times, Issue 24152, 14 June 1940, Page 4

The Southland Times. FRIDAY, JUNE 14, 1940. The Struggle for Unity

■PEW PERSONS could have I drawn inspiration from last night’s debate in the House of Representatives. many words were being used to small purpose, the Germans were drawing nearer to Paris, and the wax’ with which the destiny of New Zealand is closely linked was reaching its intensest phase. This is no time for political controversy, for argument over questions that should be settled promptly and decisively, or for negotiations conducted as if the issue at stake were an election instead of a war. The Prime Minister and the Leader of the Opposition have failed to reach an agreement on the type of wartime Government which can receive the fullest support of the nation. Obviously the central difficulty is the unwillingness of the Cabinet to accept the need for a coalition. The answer to this objection is that the Government has taken “all in” powers which can be used justly and effectively only by a national War Cabinet. If there is to be a party Government, as in peace time, its authority should be subject to normal safeguards and limitations. But the people of the Dominion recognize the need for emergency measures. There has been no protest against them: indeed, the mood of public opinion was shown plainly enough in mass meetings which preceded the summoning of Parliament. The vital problem is how to retain the powers on a foundation of national unity.

The Prime Minister’s first suggestion was a large War Council representing political and sectional interests. This proposed body was criticized for its unwieldiness, and in an attempt to avoid a deadlock Mr Fraser offered to form a War Cabinet. But instead of making it an inner Cabinet, as in Britain, he visualized it as an extra body which would give all its attention to defence measures at home and abroad. There was also to be a War Council, and beyond these two subsidiary organizations the present Cabinet would continue to administer the affairs of the country. Such a system would have the weaknesses of a compromise. In war time it is impossible to separate normal and emergency requirements. Every department of life is affected in some way, and to some degree, by the pervasive needs of the war effort. The Government should approach war policy, not as if it were something that could be kept distinct from normal affairs, but as the supreme question of national life, demanding the best that can be provided in service and ability. Moreover, the control of the nation’s effort should be placed in few but capable hands, so that the executive powers can be used with quickness and vigour. A War Council implies endless discussion and the slow shaping of decisions which, although admirable in a democracy at peace, are impediments to swift action where quickness is so badly needed. The Prime Minister hinted last night that the door to an agreement is not yet closed. It is to be hoped that both sides will find their way, without further loss of time, to a genuine co-operation.