N.Z. Is Attending To Question Of The Pacific Pact

Wanganui Chronicle, 23 July 1949, Page 6

N.Z. Is Attending To Question Of The Pacific Pact

PARLIAMENT BUILDINGS. Last Night, (PA).—Answering a question by Mr. E. P. Aderman (Opp. Now Plymouth) in the House of Representatives yesterday, the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser) said that the Government would continue to give the closest attention to the question of the Pacific Pact. Mr. Fraser recalled his statement in Ottawa last January that if the need arose he believed the democratic nations in the Pacific would stand together developing a pact similar Io lhe Atlantic Pact. As indicated in the Speech from the Throne, there existed between Now Zealand and the principal parlies to the North Atlantic Treaty, a real affinity and a community of interests similar to (hat between the parties to the North Atlantic treaty itself. New Zealand's co-operation or. defence problems with the United Kingdom and Australia was an important beginning in promoting security arrangements in the Pacific and these would be extended with other democratic countries as circumstances permitted. "An essential element of an adequate security arrangement is that each country will make the fullest, provision to meet its own and the common interests and this New Zea•'d is endeavouring to do.”