SECOND DAY OF TALKS

Southland Times, Issue 25641, 7 April 1945, Page 5

SECOND DAY OF TALKS

LEADERS CONFER IN LONDON “ABSOLUTE NECESSITY FOR COHESION” (8.0.W.) RUGBY, April 5. The absolute necessity for cohesion among the Allies in the days of peace as in war was emphasized by several speakers at the meeting of Empire delegates to the San Francisco Conference which was continued in London today under the chairmanship of the Dominions’ Secretary, Viscount Cranborne. “The close approach of victory in Europe means that the time has come for further consultation among the countries of the Commonwealth — especially about the future,” said Viscount Cranborne. He defined the main scope of the present meeting as “plans for a new world order.” “I should make it clear that the purpose of these talks is not to gang up against other nations or to obtain any sectional advantages for ourselves—that would be contrary to the whole spirit in which Britain, the Dominions and India are going to the San Francisco Conference. We are entering this world organization for what we can contribute to it.” The Prime Minister of South Africa, General Jan Smuts, said that everything had gone well. A colossal victory awaited the Allied cause. Defeat was no longer possible. There was a danger that there might not be the cohesion which was absolutely necessary if the Allies wanted to make a success in the greater task of peace. There were many indications—some, perhaps, passing and some more serious—that there was not that spirit among the Allies which should make San Francisco as great a success as victory in the war. It was necessary for the Allies to stick together to the end. REALISTIC PLAN “I think the plan worked out at Dumbarton Oaks corresponds more to the realities than the situation as it developed since the great days of the League of Nations,” said General Smuts. “We have learned the lesson that if we want to avoid war we must be prepared for it; also that peaceful nations must be kept together in an association to maintain peace. These are two valuable lessons. We have now seen that they who wield the power must carry special responsibility. Some concessions, as I see it, must be made by the smaller Powers. If San Francisco fails, then I see nothing but stark disaster before mankind.”

The Canadian High Commissioner in London, Mr Vincent Massey said: “We come to these meetings with a clear idea of what is on one another’s minds. There is no subject on which intraCommonwealth consultations are of greater mutual advantage. Canada has greatly appreciated the full information and suggestions she has received from Britain and the constructive comments which have emanated from New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.” The deputy Prime Minister of Australia, Mr F. M. Fcrde, said: “While we regard the British Commonwealth itself as an outstanding example of effective association for security, we recognize that the problem of maintaining world peace requires a wider, bolder approach than can be made within the confines of our own British community.” Referring to the Dumbarton Oaks conference, Mr Forde said: “In many respects we find the draft satisfactory. In some we shall seek amendment. Broadly, we consider that improvements could and should be made in relation to both the security and welfare questions.” The Australian Minister for External Affairs, Dr H. V. Evatt, in endorsing Viscount Cranbome’s welcome to the delegates from India, referred to the successful exchange of high commissioners between Australia and India and said it would be an advantage to the discussions to hear the point of view of India, which was rapidly moving towards Dominion status. He echoed Mr Forde in saying: “It is clear all the Dominions represented here, including the Mother Country, have proved themselves to be essentially ‘security Powers.’ This phrase fairly sums up the functions performed in the two world wars by the United Kingdom and the Dominions.” PRAISE FOR BRITAIN

The Prime Ministei’ of New Zealand, Mr P. Fraser, said: “I would like foxthe first time, to voice my appreciation of the noble attitude and the unflinching conduct of the British people throughout the whole war. I know that the members of the British Government and the High Commissioners and officials who are here can speak with far greater authority, far more intimate knowledge and more tragic experience of what has taken place during the past five years than I can, but it was my lot and privilege to be able to visit England, Scotland and Wales in 1939, 1941 and 1944 and now again this year. In 1939 we had the opportunity of seeing the forces on the western front, of being introduced to the Maginot Line and seeing the difficulties confronting our generals and men in facing the Germans there. We saw in Great Britain on all sides a great and deep regret for the tragedy that had descended upon them, but a quiet determination and a full appreciation of the fact that the last hour to take a stand had come if the world was to be saved. That determination animated everybody, men and women alike. BRITAIN’S LONG STRUGGLE “We in New Zealand cannot overlook the fact that Britain bore the brunt of the war for so long,” added Mr Fraser. “Once Britain could no longer depend on France and Belgium, she depended upon herself and her Dominions, and we all have cause for a great feeling of pride in that particular phase of the conflict. Maybe it is overlooked at times, but Britain, with such help as her Dominions could give, held fast for mankind at the most critical hour in the history of humanity. Now we are meeting when victory against one enemy is within sight. Whether that victory may come sooner or later than we hope, whether it is within a few weeks or well into the summer before the powers of Hitler which were mercilessly dispersed over Europe instead of centred in Germany are defeated, already there is a relaxataion of the tension of the past five years. It is our hope that all the most sanguine and optimistic expectations be realized.” RECEPTION AT CLARIDGE’S The British Government entertained the delegates at a reception in Claridge’s Hotel. About 300 guests were present, representing all sections of British political and public life. Lord and Lady Cranborne received the guests, among whom were the Viceroy of India, Lord Wavell, the Chief of the Imperial General Staff, FieldMarshal Sir Alan Brooke, the deputy Prime Minister, Mr C. R. Atlee, the Home Secretary, Mr Herbert Morrison, and the Minister of Aircraft Production, Sir Archibald Sinclair. The New Zealanders and Australians present included: Mr Fraser, the New ] Zealand High Commissioner in London, j

Mr W. J. Jordan, the New Zealand Minister in Washington, Mr C. A. Berendsen, Mr Forde, Dr Evatt and the Australian High Commissioner in London, Mr S. M. Bruce. Mr Fraser today was the guest of the King at lunch and this evening paid a visit to the New Zealand Fernleaf Club, Lowndes Square.