Old Ways Still Hamper Britain, Says Mr. Nash

Taranaki Daily News, 22 August 1942, Page 3

Old Ways Still Hamper Britain, Says Mr. Nash

Not enough interference with business. Rec. 7.30 p.m. London, Aug. 20. The Hon. W. Nash left for America yesterday by air. The second pilot of the plane was Captain W. J. Craig, formerly a member of the transTasman air service. On the eve of leaving for America Mr. Nash paid a tribute to the spirit of the United Kingdom and to the thoroughness of most of the executives and administrators with whom he consulted. He criticised what he termed the "policy of minimum reference with pre-war ohannels and methods of production, distri1 bution and trade" and with custom and tradition. "I was struck by the apparent determination in some influential sections not to interfere unduly with ordinary business," he said. "This policy seems to be: 'Don't touch with existing channels or, if essential, interfere with them and then provide facilities for their maintenance and survival.' We are probably paying a heavy price for this and will pay a more dangerous price later unless the policy is altered." Mr. Nash said the enemy was not spending his limited resources on maintaining old, channels and methods. He was all out to win in „the shortest time by the quickest route. Britain had to ado.pt those channels most likely to yield results irrespective of their effect on the old ways of life and business. He added that Mr. Churchill was an outstanding figure in the United Kingdom but there were also others able and competent to guide, lead and control Britain or any other country. They were as far-sighted and able as administrators elsewhere. Mr. Nash also commented on the "thoroughness of the preparations to ensure effective offensive operations as soon as the time is ripe."