N.Z. AND THE PACT.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17567, 18 June 1925, Page 4

N.Z. AND THE PACT.

MR COATES’S VIEW. J n response to a telegram asking what attitude was being taken by the Government towards the pact reported to have been entered into between Britain and France, the Prime Ministcr yesterday telegraphed the following reply to the •‘Lyttelton Times” : ‘‘lfis Majesty’s Government, has been informed that in respect of tho present negotiations the New Zealand Government is satisfied to leave the matter in their hands. 'AN hen those negotiations have been finalised and concrete proposals are definitely submitted, the whole question will have our earnest consideration. I propose to make a statement on tlv? subject to Parliament in due course.” Jt may ho added that in the message inviting tho Primo Minister to define tho Government’s position, it was mentioned that the late Mr Massey was understood to be strongly opposed to any pact or alliance that would place the Empire, under a definite obligation to go to war on behalf of Franco, or any other nation without discrimination as to the circumstances. PRIME MINISTER’S SPEECH. (Special to the " Star.”) AUCKLAND, Juno 17Briof reference to the European security pact was made by Mr Ooutes at the civic reception to-day, but his words plainly foreshadowed that wholehearted support of Britain, which has been part of New Zealand’s policy sine.? the advent of Mr Scddon over thirty years ago. Referring to the pact. Mr Coates said that while New Zealand reserved the right to be consulted in matters of negotiations with European Powers, when New Zealand bud expressed its opinion it left it to the Imperial authorities to make what they thought fit. and New Zealand had already cabled to the. Home Government to say that whatever arrangements Great Britain might make for the purpose of securing peace we were behind her to a man. (Applause.) Th? Homeland was our guard and protection. and it was essential that the Dominions should render her every assistance, particularly just now when Great Britain was suffering industrial depression and struggling to regain her trade supremacy. Tho empty spaces of the dominions must be filled with the* overflow of Great Britain’s population, and when they came here they would promote employment and trade between the two countries. The Homeland purchased nearly nil our exports and it was to her that our prosperity was due. (Applause.) The Prime Minister made a. strong plea to tho community and individual to purchase British goods, and sai-l that tho Government Stores Purchase branch bad purchased over £4,000.000 worth of material in the last twelve, months, of which only 4 per cent was foreign goods. Jn regard to the rest British firms, had defeated foreign rivals in fair competition. (Applause) New Zealand, too, would have to increasingly assume the burden of defence. and do more towards the maintenance of the British Navy, without which, she would be at tho mercy of foreign foes, for the British Navy was the greatest guarantee of the world's i peace. (Applause.) “My outlook so far ns the Empire is concerned,” concluded the Prime Minister, ‘‘is that I stand for anti will assist to protect the flag which grants liberty, freedom and justice to all who : choose to come under it. T hope as time goes on that we will be able to prove to you that you have a. Government which can carry on, although our great leader has passed away.” (Applause.) Air Coates stressed tho necessity of imbuing in young people a sense of honour in and reverence for the EnSpire. Tho basic principles on which the Empire had hern based had been faith in the Good Book, lovaltv to King and country, and eonfidenco in ourselves. It was the dutv of every citizen to shoulder his individual responsibility and to try and make in'* country even a better place than it was to-dav.