Mr. Attlee's Message To Mr. Fraser

Chronicle (Levin), 19 August 1947, Page 5

Mr. Attlee's Message To Mr. Fraser

Press Assoctation)

(Per

WELLINGTON, Aug. 19. Reduction of petroL imports, the quicker turnround of ships, restriction of imports this year, and the highest possible volume of food exports are among the things which New Zealand can do to assist Britain in.the present crisis, says Mr. Attlee in a cable to Mr. Fraser, ihe text of which was released today. His message follows a request from Mr. Fraser for the views of the United Kingdom Government on wavs in which New Zealand could best help. "We are deeply grateful for your offer to assist. It is an inspiration to us to know that New Zealand is preparing herself for the struggle at our side," said Mr. Attlee. ' The British Prime Minister said that the Government and people cf New Zealand had already demonstrated their sympathy and given practical assistance,- which Britain recalled with appreciation, by such measures as the gift of £12,500,000, by drives to obtain further supplies of New Zealand's primary products, by the eontinuation of rationing for this purpose, and by welcome food parcels from individuals. In general, it was along these lines that New Zealand's ccntinued, and if possible, increasing help was asked for. "The next twelve months are vital for us," said Mr. Attlee. "In particular, your co-operation in the following directions would be especially valuable; Firstly, food exports. I stated in the House of Commons that the level of distribution of foodstuffs in this country depends primarily upon the degree to which we are able to obtain regular supplies from other than hard currency sources. The Gcvernmcnt an d the people of New Zealand have, over the past years, reef gniscd our iifj'jd for the maximum supplies ef staple foodstuffs from New Zealand, and we know of the efforts which have been made to maintain these. Any steps which can be taken to increase and accelerate the supplies of dairy products, meat and. animal fats would be a contribution of the highest importance in the present emergency. I also emphasised in my statement that a major factor in our present difliculties is the big rise in the price of food imports generally. You have in general been able to avoid a comparable- rise in the price of New Zealand products while still ensuring a fair return to your producers by your policy cf price control and stabllisaticn. You can help us gieatly by main aining this policy and by kr-eping to the lowest possible figure, consis'ient with your internal stafcility, the prices you ask us to pay. "Secondly, turnround of shipping. Delays in unloading and loading cargo at ports not only reduce the. supplies of food available but greatly add to the drain on our shipping. Thus, for every day that can be saved in the turnround of a British ship, . we save 3000 dollars on the hire of an American one. Anything you can achieve to accelerate the turnround of shipping will be most valuable. "Thirdly, imports. It would greatly help us if, for the current year, you could keep your imports at least within the limits of current income. During the immediate critical situation it is most important for us that you should avoid any necessity for drawing down your sterling balances, and we shall hope that if there is any poss'ibility of your building up your assets you would be prepared to hold further sterling."