MUTUAL PROBLEMS

Timaru Herald, Volume CLV, Issue 22790, 14 January 1944, Page 4

MUTUAL PROBLEMS

New Zealand And Australia To Confer

(Rec. 11.30) SYDNEY, Jan. 13. Australia and New Zealand were tire democratic nations of the British Empire in the South-west Pacific and must w’ork together as closely as possible, not only for the Empire but democracy as a whole, said the Prime Minister of New’ Zealand, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, on his arrival in Sydney today to attend a conference at Canberra. He was accompanied by the Hon. P. C. Webb, the Hon. F. Jones and departmental advisers. The delegation was met at the airport by Dr H. V. Evatt. Mr J. A. Beaslej' and Mr C. A. Berendsen, High Commissioner for New Zealand. Mr Fraser said the conference would be the most important of the many which had been held between the two countries. He believed there would be excellent results. The problems of all the United Nations in the Pacific could be solved in a way that would strengthen democracy. Mr Fraser added that the New Zealand Government had an open mind on the ultimate control of the Pacific Islands of strategic value, and was anxious to know the views of the Australian Government. New Zealand, after providing for the returned soldiers, would consider encouraging immigration. Tire need of a greater population in the Dominion was realised. In the councils of the world New Zealand would maintain the stand she adopted as a member of the League of Nations td’ prevent aggression, and would try to bring about a new world organisation, either through the League or some alternative body, to make war impossible.

The conference with the Australian Government will begin at Canberra on Monday. The subjects for discussion include the future policies of Australia and New Zealand in relation to the South-west and South Pacific regions, post-war security zones, including the government of the islands taken from the Japanese, the welfare of native peoples, communications. and closer collaboration and trade relations between the two countries. The Australian Labour Party will hold a special meeting at Canberra to coincide with the visit of the New Zealand delegation. This meeting will also consider the sending of a joint deputation to the Imperial LabourConference. which the British LabouParty is anxious tc convene to discuss post-war problems.