Anzac Pact Bitterly Assailed In Federal Senate

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 64, 18 March 1944, Page 5

Anzac Pact Bitterly Assailed In Federal Senate

Received Friday, 11.45 p.m. CANBERRA, March 17. An amendment moved by Senator Hayes (Tasmania) that the pact between Australia and New Zealand be not implemented until Mr. Curtin’s visit to London was defeated in the Senate to-day by 18 votes to 17. Replying to Opposition charges, the Postmaster-General (Senator Ashley) said the Senate bad been subjected to regrettable indignity. Prominent members of the Opposition for the sole purpose of attacking and embarrassing the present Government had stooped to make use of irresponsible arguments and palpable misinterpretations. The pact was bitterly criticised by the Opposition. It was signed in Canberra in January following a conference of New Zealand and Australian Government Ministers. Government supporters in the Senate made an unsuccessful attempt to have the debate adjourned. Senator Mcßride (U.A.P.) said the pact was a “burlesque.” It was the result of a desire for publicity by the Prime Minister (Mr. Curtin) and the Minister of External Affairs (Dr. Evatt). After appealing to America for aid Australia had now become aggressive and arrogant. “This agreement is a direct affront to all the people from whom we require help and will require help in future,” Senator Mcßride added. “The agreement has had no effect on the course of the war and will have none at the Peace Con ference.” The leader of the Opposition in the Senate (Senator McLeay) said the Pact “reeked of isolationism.” It did not reflect the views of the Australian public nor the considered opinion of Parliament. Senator Spicer (U.A.P.) said it was presumptuous of the Governments oi Australia and New Zealand to have made a pact without consulting Great Britain and the United States. He accused the Government of censoring unfavourable comments on the Pact in America. There was uproar when Senator Ashley said: “Unfortunately there were few persons in Australia who were prepared to surrender Australian territory despite the appalling sacrifice and suffering of our servicemen. Such persons are potential quislings at a time of national crisis,” said Senator Ashley.