DEADLOCK POSSIBLE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24417, 1 October 1940, Page 7

DEADLOCK POSSIBLE

FEDERAL ELECTIONS MR MENZIES’S OFFER NATIONAL GOVERNMENT (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) SYDNEY, Sept. 30. (Received Oct. 1, at 1 a.m.) The Government majority will not be more than two seats, and it is possible there will be a deadlock, with the Government and Labour parties* equal in numbers and the independents holding the balance of powei This is indicated in the latest election return? for the House of Representatives Cabinet Ministers admit that a National Government will be the only solution >f an extremely difficult situation. The Prime Minister said he was calling a conference of all the party leaders for Friday to discuss methods of carrying on (he Government effectively in the vital interests of Australia. Mr Menzies said it was clear that at present no party would have such a majority as would give it a clear authority of power, “ I call on all men of goodwill in all parties to co-operate with a view to producing stability To my mind the only rractical course to save the country from disintegration if the war effort is not to be defeated by disorganisation is forming a national government on a basis equitable to all parties. In order that all the possibilities mav be promptly examined I invite Messrs Cameron, Curtin, and Beasley, as the leaders of the other parties, to meet me as the leader of the U.A.P. for a frank discussion. It would be deplorable if Canberra had to be converted into a manoeuvring ground and nervous and mental energy was expended on party moves which could be better used in a concerted national effort.” No opinions are vet available of 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.