FOREIGN POLICY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 16 April 1938, Page 7

FOREIGN POLICY

DOMINION’S SECRETARY & AIR SAVAGE MR MacDONALD DISOWNS REPORT. “INCOMPLETE AND INCORRECT.” By Telegraph—Press Association. Copyright. LONDON, April 14. The Secretary for the Dominions (Mr Malcolm MacDonald) replied in the House of Commons to a question by Mr Arthur Henderson (Labour) whether he was aware of the statement by the Prime Minister of New Zealand (Mr Savage) that a reply by Mr MacDonald to a question by Mr G. Le M. Mander about New Zealand's attitude to British foreign policy “did not altogether state the facts.” Mr MacDonald said: “I have seen Mr Savage’s statements and have ascertained that the report of my answer on which Mr Savage based his statement was incomplete and incorrect. I have now received a message from Mr Savage saying that the full report removes misunderstanding and makes clear that my, answer was in accordance with the facts.”

Dr. Hugh Dalton (Labour): "Has the New Zealand Government at all times been in agreement with the Government’s policy?”

Mr MacDonald: “I have never made such a statement.” Dr Dalton: “It is the general impression.” Mr Mander: “In view of the fact that Mr Savage said New Zealand disagreed with certain phases of British policy, will Mr MacDonald say what particular points she disagreed with?”

Mr MacDonald; “It is clearly impossible to make such a statement.”

Mr Mander: "Will Mr MacDonald clarify the subject after Easter in the interests of Britain and New Zealand?"

Mr MacDonald: “My answer made the position clear. I do not in the least disagree with Mr Savage’s statement, but point out that differences which may occur from time to time and have occurred between New Zealand and Britain, do not alter the correctness of the statement I made.” Dr Dalton gave notice to raise the matter after Easter, “in view of the unsatisfactory nature of Mr MacDonald's reply.”