Straight Talk by Hon. T. D’Alton

Manawatu Times, Volume 69, Issue 66, 21 March 1944, Page 6

Straight Talk by Hon. T. D’Alton

The recent Australia-New Zealand pact and the effect it frould have in the post-war years was stressed by the Hon. T. D'Alton, High Commissioner for Australia in New Zealand, in an imformativo address given at the Palmerston North Rotary Club yesterday. “I am hero to discuss matters of mutual and vital interest to our two countries," he stated, “and I want to make it clear that my appointment is not to inflict Australia's opinions on this country. It boils down to a general discussion of men amongst men —planning for the future. It should be realised that Australia and New Zea land aro the only two English-speaking countries in tho Pacific and upon us rests a great responsibility in post-vrai reconstruction. Not a member here tocan say that we were prepared for the rebuilding of shattered lives after the last conflict. This war will bring greater difficulties and wc must face up to thorn." It was wrong, said the speaker, to think that we could plan the destinies of our own country. We were bound up with what was happening in Europe today. The present misunderstandings between Australia and New Zealand, he suggested, were not just a matter of the Government solving them in their own way. The people should get together. “Any ideas circulating that New Zealand and Australia are going to draw out from the British Empire," continued Hon. T. D'Alton, “are totally untrue. There has never been greater loyalty for the Empire than is in our countries today." Replying to criticism levelled at the recent Australia-New Zealand Pact, the speaker said that we had seen foui years of w r ar and it was up to both Dominions to get ahead with post-war planning. The main factor arising out of tho Prime Ministers' meeting had been the agreement that New Zealand and Australia would not do anything unless in collaboration. “At least," said Hon. D'Alton, “one countrv should know what the other is doing." Critics who stated that the pact would have detrimental effects on other countries had either not read the pact or were so ignorant they could not understand, he continued. When New Zealand and Australia made that pact il was a step towards “nation building." Wo want to bo fully represented at the peaco tabic, lie added. Although othei parties may differ, he said, we had not excluded special nations in the Pacific. There was more trouble in this theatre than anywhere else in the world. Pact Offends? “All we did was to suggest they should send representatives and talk things over and yet we are now told we are offending certain nations. If wo cannot meet in conference we apparently aro not permitted to do anything. I will not accept this," said Hon. D'Alton. “It is just agitation from certain quarters. God knows we have provided the cause of democracy in food, munitions aud blood. We are noi the little children in swaddling clothes some nations think we are. We aro playing a full man’s part. We have shown sufficient courage so far to make even these people sit up. Our pact is based on the Atlantic Charter, which was made in the deepest, darkest hours of our lives. Everyone of us has shown willingness to subscribe to this charter which had freedom from want and freedom of speech as its banners." While New Zealanders aud Australians Mere blessed with food in plenty, outside people, through monetary manipulation were starving. The pact was a step toward the alleviation ol this. “You will find if you look! through tke Bible," continued the j speaker, ‘ 1 that many features of the j Atlantic Charter are incorported in it. This book aud its principles will play a leading part in post-war years. In conclusion I would like to make this point," said Hon. T. D'Alton, “that our Dominions take second place to no other country in the world.' ’ Among those present at the Club were the Deputy-Mayor (Mr. G. Tre maine) and Mr. W. R. Hopcroft, chairman of the Kairauga County Council. Rotarian B. J. Jacobs introduced the guest, Mr. M. H. Oram, M.P., conveying thanks for the address.