WAR NOT INEVITABLE

Chronicle (Levin), 4 October 1948, Page 5

WAR NOT INEVITABLE

(N.Z.P.A.-

-^Reuterj

Mr. Chifley And Mr. Fraser Assess Prospects

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Reeeived Monday, 10.55 a.m. CANBERRA, Oct. 4. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Fraser, and the Prjme Minister of Australia, Mr. Chifley, in an assessment of the prospects of a third world war, agreed that war was not "either imminent or inevitable," but it might come, they said, if some nation tried to Win the fruits of war without actually engaging in it. Mr. Fraser and Mr. Chifley were i making a joint broadcast over the commercial stations of Victoria 'and South Australia. This is claiined as the first time that two Dominion Prime Ministers have broadcast together. They gave these views: — Mr. Fraser: The world picture was disturbing. Because Australia and New Zealand were fortunately placed, they had a duty to contribute to a solution of world problems — not only physically but also by advice. The people did not fear necessary and orderly changes in their economic systems. They welcomed social progress generally, but they rightly feared the loss of their liberty and the destruction of their fundamental human rights. There could be compromise and negotiation in all matters of international relations, boundarles, incernal finance, and the organisation of trade, colonial territories and other questions,. but there was not room for negotiation or compromise in issues involving human rights. . Mr. Chifley: There could be no objection to the internal structure —economic or political — of any country. That was a matter for the people of that country. There could be no peace if, in order to defend a particular system or in order to bring others into line with it. one country tried to interfere with another. Australia and New Zealand would mahitahi their freedom because their standards of living and economic and social eonditions gave little scope to those who claimed that there were alternative and better ways of life.