CONCILIATION PACT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 215, 10 September 1940, Page 11

CONCILIATION PACT.

U.S.A. AND THE DOMINION. EXPLANATION BY MR. FRASER. WELLINGTON, Monday. The conciliation pact between the United States and New Zealand, referred to in a recent cablegram, was in effect an extension of the existing AngloUnited States Peace Commission Treaty of 1914, said the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser, in an interview-to-night. This treaty provided for the setting up of a permanent commission of inquiry to investigate and report upon any disputes 'between the two countries which ordinary diplomatic means might fail to bring to an amicable solution. Although New Zealand was bound by the provisions of the original' treaty, the new international and constitutional status which the Dominions now occupy rendered it necessary to provide for the treaty's extension to the Dominions of the British Commonwealth by means of supplementary treaties now signed. The treaty will continue in force for five years, and will remain in force thereafter until one of the parties should give notice of termination. "I should like to add," said Mr. Fraser, "that New Zealand's accession and signature were authorised by Mr. Savage in July last year. The subsequent delay in arranging for simultaneous signatures by representatives of the British Commonwealth Governments in Washington has no doubt been due to more pressing matters." —(Press Assn.)