New Zealand Not Consulted

Manawatu Times, Volume 62, Issue 36, 12 February 1937, Page 7

New Zealand Not Consulted

EMPIRE AIR MAIL AGREEMENT Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Feb. 11. Surprise at the report that Australia and Britain had come to an agreement over the Empire air mail service without advising New Zealand was expressed by the Rt. Hon. M. J. Savage to-day. Mr Savage recalled the conference held in Wellington towards the end of last year, at which Britain, Australia and New Zealand were represented, and recommendations were made. The New Zealand Government approved of the recommendations, but, he said, it was understood that the Governments concerned would be advised before any pronouncement was made. “To think that part of the scheme has been adopted by two out of the three parties to the conference seems to ine to be pretty difficult to believe,’* said Mr Savage. “There is a lot more to be said about the agreement. i don't know anything except what i have seen in the newspapers.’* Mr Savage added that he had strictly adhered to tho arrangement regarding non-publicity of the conference. It semed unbelievable that two of the parties had come to an agreement.

MR SAVAGE MUST HAVE MISUNDERSTOOD. FEDERAL PREMIER'S COMMENT. Received Thursday, midnight. CANBERRA, Feb. 11. Commenting on the complaint by Mr Savage that tho air mail agreement had been published without reference to New Zealand, the Prime Minister (Mr Lyons) said there must have been a misunderstanding on the part of Mr Savage. Air Lyons pointed out that his statement dealt only with the air mail service between Australia and England. There had been an agreement with New Zealand that no announcement should be made regarding the Tasman service without consultation with New Zealand and that agreement had been observed.