MR. HOLLAND WANTS N.Z. GOODWILL MISSION SEN! TO SOUTH AFRICA

Wanganui Chronicle, 10 June 1948, Page 5

MR. HOLLAND WANTS N.Z. GOODWILL MISSION SEN! TO SOUTH AFRICA

(P.A.) Timaru, June 9. “The British Empire is passing through one of the most difficult periods ot its long history,” said the Leader of the Opposition, Mr. S. G Holland, when addressing a largerattended meeting of Timaru business men today. Britain faced bankruptcy, caused by her amaing sacrifices to ensure victory, he said. She had lost most of her overseas investments. She had committed herself to thousands of millions of pounds of debt. She had not enough land to grow the food required by her own people, and yet she had' to help feed starving Europe.

Her position as a major world power had seriously deteriorated. Mr Holland said that India, Pakistan and Ceylon had become independent Dominions and Burma had become an independent republic. The defeat ot General Smuts and his Government had further restricted the position. “I see no profit," said Mr. Holland, "in criticism of South Africa or in presuming that she will bre.ak away from the Empire and become a republic. What is needed today is a strong Britain and a united British Empire. Nothing can do Empire solidarity more harm than thoughtless criticism of other Empire countries. What South Africa has done has been no more than what she was rightly entitled to d° —change her Government. Where I do see danger is where one member of the Empire family commits itslf to a course of action without, consultation with or regard £or other Empire countries. South Africa’s recognition of the State of Israel is a case in point.” As in family life, so in Empire affairs, many disputes had their origin in misunderstanding and lack of knowledge of the full facts, continued Mr. Holland. For that reason he would like to see an Empire goodwill mission sent to South Africa to hold out the hand of friendship, goodwill and understanding. “Let us assure South Africa that nothing is further from our minds or from the minds of any other Empire country than to interfere in the affairs of any other country, especially any (Empire country." he said. “We should tell South Africa that we want her to remain inside the Empire; that, while we all enjoy one absolute freedom and independence, we are all stronger when we work together and help one another. I feel that such a goodwill mission as I have suggested would do a great deal of good, and would promote happy and friendly relations."