STRONG IN CRISIS

Dominion, Volume 37, Issue 188, 8 May 1944, Page 4

STRONG IN CRISIS

Bonds Of Britain And Dominions AMERICAN PRAISE (By Telegraph.—-Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received May 7, 8.15 p.m.) NEW YORK, May 7. "The British Empire and Commonwealth, which lias Been the constant object of envy and attack, has weathered all vicissitudes and survived every crisis, including the gravest In its existence—the present war,” says the “New York Times” in an editorial commenting on the Prime Ministers’ conference. "It may no longer be able to claim preeminence in a world in which Russia and America are bound to play at least equal roles, but the London conference has demonstrated that it has become the freest and most liberal international organization in history. Those of its members who have developed separate nationhood have become independent nations, and those who are too small or too undeveloped to- stand on their own feet still prefer British rule to any other.” The editorial says: “This development is a consequence of the American Revolution. which inspired that elastic, softgloved policy of permitting other Empire members to develop into self-governing Dominions. This policy quickly reconciled Britain and America and forged the Anglo-American community with which every Power in the world must henceforth reckon in any crisis.” EMPIRE MACHINERY Dominions Extolled In British Press (By Telegraph. —Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Special Correspondent.) (Received May 7, 10.40 p.m.) LONDON, May 6. Mr. Fraser’s review of the New Zealand war effort and his replies to the wide variety of questions asked him at the Press conference in London have received very favourable publicity and comment in the British Press today. The newspapers emphasize and praise the extent of the Dominion’s sacrifice on the fighting fronts, and express gratitude for the determination of New Zealand to supply foodstuffs to Britain. "The Times” brackets New Zealand and Australia together in an editorial which acknowledges their part in both the European and Pacific theatres, and adds: “Both Messrs Curtin and Fraser have now expressed themselves not only on the contributions their countries are making to the common endeaxpur but also on ways of shaping and achieving the common purposes of the Empire iu war and in peace. Mr. Curtin has made it clear ou more than one occasion that while he himself is convinced of the need for improving the present machinery for consultation and co-operation between the members of the Commonwealth he is fully prepared for the give and take of discussion on means to that end. “At his Press conference yesterday Mr. Fraser testified to the working of the existing machinery in time of war. There were occasions when immediate decisions had to be taken in Wellington no less than in London, but at other times almost without exception not only was full information given in advance, but there has been time for the Prime Ministers both to take the views of their Cabinets and consult the other Dominions interested. The Core of the System. “In the light of his experience Mr. Fraser approached the question of the development of the Commonwealth secretariat with an open mind. He agreed that the Prime Ministers and Ministers of External Affairs could profitably meet more frequently, but he pointed out that it is easier to plaq. schemes for personal contacts than to carry them out. Apart from the emergencies of war, domestic controversies, election campaigns and other accidents of political life make it difficult for leading Ministers to leave their own countries at fixed dates. “The conception of the Empire which Mr. Fraser went on to develop rests on two premises: First, every Dominion is a sovereign State and as such is as free as any nation on earth to come - to its own decisions; secondly, every Dominion has its own problems, external as well as internal, and it is therefore impossible for the Empire to have a single predetermined policy on all matters. .The conclusion drawn from these admitted facts is that common action can be evolved only by h method of consultation and discussion, leading to eventual agreement- This method of solving problems is the very core of the British Commonwealth system. It is the principle of Cabinet government. It is equally the principle of Imperial conferences.” The editorial in “The Times” concludes: “Mr. Fraser has made it clear that the method is proving adequate to the issues before the conference now in session. ■ Men with common traditions and common purpore are finding their way to unanimity, with the result that the conference has already made progress which Mr. Fraser describes as .very satisfactory. In short, the Prime Ministers can be expected to work their way to conclusions to which each will make his individual contribution but which, as ultimately formulated, will embody ‘the sense of the meeting.’.” « Value of Visit. The ‘‘News Chronicle” comments editorially on the value of the Dominion Premiers’ visit from the viewpoint of giving Britain first-hand information about the Dominions’ contribution to the war effort. “It is important that we in Britain should fully appreciate the part the Dominions are playing.” it says. “Both Messrs. Curtin and 1 Fraser have had' an epic story to tell us.” It adds that when Singapore feu, putting New Zealand and Australia in a plight comparable with that of Britain after Dunkirk, their exertions had to be drastically realigned. The help which at this stage they received from the yluted States is a matter for Britain’s gratitude as well as for that of the Dominions. “With mighty exertions behind them, botli Messrs. Curtin aud Fraser can look forward' confidently to the achievement of a still closer degree of co-operation between Britain and the Dominions as soon as the war is over,” it says. >

ECONOMIC POLICY

Latest Discussions LONDON, May 5. The attendance of the Chancellor of the Exchequer, Sir Johjj Anderson, at today’s session of the Prime Ministers' conference is taken to indicate that the Primo Ministers are proceeding to an examination of economic policy, which is closely bound up with post-war security plans, details of which have already been made known to the Dominion Premiers by Mr. Eden. It is understood that Sir John Anderson’s survey is likely to give rise to discussions on a wide range of allied subjects, from the recent-ly-announced currency agreement to reciprocal trade agreements and the possibility of an undertaking for the development of policy based on an Imperial inventments board. Mr. Curtin’s plan for an Empire secretariat is still provoking very lively debates among the delegations accompanying the Prime Ministers. Canadian newspaper correspondents believe that the cleavage between the Australian and Canadian viqiys on the future of Imperial consultations is now too wide to be broached, but it is learned that Mr. Churchill and Lord Cranborne are still most anxious to secure unanimity between tlie Prime Ministers, and therefore renewed discussions on Imperial machinery are expected next week. , After a week of daily sittings the Prime Ministers have already dealt in detail with the immediate prosecution of the war in Europe and the Far East, the armistice terms, and tariff policy. How ever, only one meeting was held today, and the Prime Ministers are not expected to resume formal consultations till Monday.