FOREIGN POLICY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 80, Issue 136, 10 June 1937, Page 7

FOREIGN POLICY

DEBATES IN LONDON MR. SAVAGE'S ATTITUDE OPPOSITION TO CANADA (By Telegraph—Pre®, Association—Copyright) LONDON, June 8. Arising from the difficulties raised by Mr W. L. Mackenzie King (Canada), the Australian Associated Press political correspondent understands that some of the plainest speaking during the Imperial Conference occurred when the principal delegates were endeavouring to formulate the foreign policy resolutions and were dealing with the resolutions amended after yesterday’s discussion. It is gathered that Mr M. J. Savage, in a vigorous speech and using frank language, directly attacked Mr Mackenzie King’s attitude, pointing out that while New Zealand’s attitude was clear, namely, readiness at any time to defend the Empire to the utmost, it was obvious that Mr Mackenzie King, whatever the conference might agree to, would not support it if it involved Canada in any definite undertaking concerning foreign polIcy. Apparently Mr Savage further intimated that Mr Mackenzie King and the conference could rest assured that New Zealand was not going to do anything which meant killing the League of Nations, even though Mr Mackenzie King was apparently willing to sacrifice the League. It is just possible that the deep impression that Mr Savage created may cause Mr Mackenzie King to be to some extent overruled. Mr Savage’s speech was followed by Mr Malcolm MacDonald (Dominions Secretary) calling on him at the Savoy Hotel to-night further to discuss the position in readiness for to-mor-row’s resumption of the foreign affairs discussions. It was reported yesterday that in the foreign affairs debates Mr Mackenzie King had proved a stumbling block to Empire unity. He was said to be adopting the attitude that Canada was safe under America’s wing and that the rest of the Empire should look after itself in the best way it could. It was believed that Mr Mackenzie King even went as far as to say that while Canada supported the Empire it was not going to be dragged into any European upset or even fight, say, for Egypt or perhaps any part of the Empire.