POLITICAL DEADLOCK

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 260, 1 October 1940, Page 7

POLITICAL DEADLOCK

PROSPECTS IN AUSTRALIA

PREMIER SEEKS CO-OPERATION

SYDNEY, Sept. 30

A Government majority of not more than two seats and possibly a deadlock with the Government and Labour Parties with equal numbers, and the Independents holding the balance of power,, are indicated in the latest election returns for the House of Representatives.

The Prime Minister (Mr R. G. Monzies), who lias just returned from a few days’ rest, to day declined to discuss the formation of an all-party Government, preferring to wait until the election results are complete, which will probably he by the end of the week. Cabinet Ministers admit that a National Government will he the only solution of an extremely difficult situation.

Mr Menzies is calling a conference of all party leaders on Friday to discuss methods of carrying on the Government. effectively in the vital interests of Australia. Mr Menzies said it was clear at present that no party will have such a majority as to give it clear authority and power. “I call on all men of goodwill and all parties to co-operate with a view to producing stability. To my mind the only practicable course to save the country from disintegration, and if the war effort is not to be defeated by disorganisation, is the formation of a National Government on a basis equitable to all parties. “In order that all the possibilifies may be promptly examined I invite Mr Cameron (Country Party leader), Mr Curtin (Federal Labour) and Mr Beasley' (Lang Labour), as leaders of the other parties, to meet me as leader of the United Australia Party in a frank discussion. It would be deplorable if Canberra had to be converted into a manoeuvring ground and nervous and mental energy expended on pai-ty moves which would be better used for a concerted national effort.” No opinions are as yet available concerning Mr Menzies’s offer, but it is known that, while Mr Curtin will undoubtedly accept the invitation to the conference, Labour participation in a National Government is improbable.