PACT WITH AMERICA.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 242, 10 September 1940, Page 2

PACT WITH AMERICA.

PROVISIONS EXPLAINED. Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Sept. 9. “The conciliation pact between the United States and New Zealand, referred to in the cables, is in effect an extension of the existing AngloUnited States Peace Commission Treaty of 1914,” said the Prime Minister (Rt. Hon. P. Eraser) 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 sol ution.

“Although New Zealand wa6 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 the treaty’s extension to the Dominions of the British Commonwealth by means of the supplementary treaties now signed. The treaty will continue in force for five years and will remain in force thereafter until one of the parties should give notice of termination.

“I should like to add,” said Mr Fraser, “that New Zealand’s accession and signature were authorised by Mr Savage in July of last year. The subsequent delay in arranging for the simultaneous signatures by representatives of the British Commonwealth Governments in Washington has no doubt been due to more pressing matters.”-