WAR COUNCIL

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 May 1940, Page 7

WAR COUNCIL

DOES NOT APPEAR TO MEET

POSITION

OPPOSITION LEADER’S VIEW.

DETAILS SOUGHT FROM PRIME MINISTER.

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. "I waited on the Prime Minister this evening to inquire what was in his mind when he made his counter-sug-gestion of the formation of a War Council, in reply to my suggestion that he form a national War Cabinet.” said the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Hamilton, in an interview last night. "In the course of a full and friendly discussion. I made it clear that the proposal to set up a War Council did not appear to meet the position. The information I sought related to the powers it was intended to give to the War Council, the constitution upon which it was based, and its proposed personnel.

"1 pointed out that nothing short of a supreme authority, absolutely unifying the country, invested with absolute poweis capable of inspiring confidence and giving the necessary authority for 'immediate action, would be considered by the Opposition.” Mr Hamilton said, "I also pointed out that, on the face of it, it was easy to observe how this could be brought about, by the formation of a National War Cabinet, as had been done in Great Britain. “However, on the facts yet available to myself—which were those available to the public generally—it was far from clear how it was proposed tc achieve this under the proposal for a War Council. “There is immediate necessity for relieving public concern by frankly and fully stating the details of the proposal. , “The Prime Minister undertook to supply me tomorrow morning with the details of the powers with which it is suggested the council should be invested .the suggested methods for the administration of those powers, and the basis of representation of the personnel of the council. The Prime Minister readily agreed that this was not a time for beating about the bush, and that action must be clear, decisive and immediate.

“On receipt of the details of the proposals, as promised, they will be reviewed by a committee of caucus tomorrow, and by the full caucus of the National Party members on Wednesday. “I would add this,” Mr Hamilton concluded. “Time does not stand still; we must act as one people, and act today. The lead in this action can come, in my opinion, only by the absolute suppression of prejudices, bitterness and partisan outlook.”

NATIONAL CABINET

URGED BY CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE.

DEPUTATION TO PREMIER

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day.

A strong recommendation in favour of the formation of a national Government was conveyed to the Government yesterday by a deputation from the Associated Chambers of Commerce af New Zealand. The deputation, which was headed by the president of the association, Mr W. S. Mac Gibbon, Christchurch, was received by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, and a majority of the members of Cabinet. The deputation was private. An explanation of the measures the Government was taking and which it proposed to' take, was given by the Prime Minister, and a discussion ensured. An undertaking was given by Mr Fraser that, consideration would be given by the Government to the views of the deputation.