EMPIRE CO-OPERATION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 8, Issue 34, 19 December 1944, Page 4

EMPIRE CO-OPERATION

PASSING through a time of great peril from forces outside their borders, Australia and New Zealand have come to realise how closely their interests are interlocked. This is illustrated by the proceedings at the Canberra Conference of three months ago at which agreement was reached by the representatives of both dominions on all the important points discussed. It is natural-that there should be accord on the vital question of defence, but what has been accomplished may usher in a new chapter m their domestic relations. This matter was recently referred to by Sir Earle Page, a former Prime Minister of Australia, who considers that where industrial problems are concerned New Zealand should be treated as one of the constituent States of the Commonwealth. The question of the exchange of goods between the two dominions has ini the past aroused much controversy. There is now evidence of adesne on both sides of the Tasman to remove the causes o± iriction, And plans are being already made for the setting up of permanent machinery to deal with matters of mutual interest. In the larger sphere of national defence, with special reference to the South Pacific, -agreement at Canberra is reported, but here Great Britain and the United States are: directly concerned. There is no suggestion that Australia and New Zealand will act on their own initiative. Before framing their mam measures they will wait ioi the conference of Empire Prime Ministers m London, at which will be considered the question of post-war security, the economic development of the island territories, the we - fare of native populations, and air transport Imperial consultation and collaboration are the keynotes to future development in friendly co-operation with America Th United States, has been accused of having territorial ambitions in the Pacific. Past history, as illustrated m the case of the Philippines, has shown that the American Governments have been anxious to return to the peopl # territories under the temporary protection of the authorities in Washington. What is to be anticipated is that ni the safety measures of the future bases will have to be allotted to the participating Powers in the use of which America will figure prominently, but such a system need cause no apprehension of ulterior motives obtruding themselves.