THE CONCILIATION PACT

Evening Star, Issue 23677, 10 September 1940, Page 10

THE CONCILIATION PACT

N.Z. NOW A SIGNATORY [Per United Press Association.] WELLINGTON, September 9. The conciliation pact between the United States and New Zealand, to which reference was made in the cable news this morning, was, in effect, an extension of the existing Anglo-United States Peace Commission Treaty of 1914, said the Prime Minister, Mr 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 an extension of the treaty to the dominions of the British Commonwealth by means of supplementary treaties now signed. “ The treaty will continue in force for five years,” Mr Fraser said, “ and will remain in force thereafter until one of the parties should give notice of termination. I should like to add that New Zealand’s accession and signature were authorised by Mr Savage in July of last year. The subsequent delay in arranging for simultaneous signatures by the representatives of the British Commonwealth Governments in Washington has no doubt been due to more pressing ’matters. ’ ’