PARTY BARGAIN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 October 1940, Page 6

PARTY BARGAIN

MADE IN AUSTRALIA FORMATION OF WAR COUNCIL ON AN ADVISORY BASIS. SECTIONS OF LABOUR POLICY TO BE ENACTED. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, Noon.) CANBERRA, This Day. The Federal Premier (Mr Menzies) made the following statement: “In response to proposals put forward by the Prime Minister, the Federal Labour Party submitted a proposal and indicated that it was the best to which the party could agree. The Government's representatives therefore accepted it.” Mr Menzies added that the Government delegates were disappointed that some fuller participation in the government of the nation could not be arrived at. Mr J. Curtin (Labour Party Leader): “I regard this decision as a historic one and of the greatest significance to the united determination of the Australian people and all political parties to do their very utmost in a war in which our very existence is at stake. The proposal is genuinely put forward by ourselves, and we shall bring all our abilities and all the resources of the great Labour movement to bear upon the work which the council will do.”

Mr J. Beasley said: “We do not, think it was the most effective means of meeting the present situation, but as it is the considered view of the conference that the proposal be given a trial, we are willing to co-operate.” The offer by Mr Menzies of half the seats in a War Council, with executive powers, was rejected by the Official Labour Caucus. The caucus offered instead to participate in an Australian War Council on an advisory basis, and gave a guarantee that it would not embarrass the Government in its war efforts by using its numerical strength as an Opposition. The resolution adopted by the caucus made it clear that in return for such support the Labour Party expected the Government to give effect to substantial sections of Labour’s social, industrial and financial policy. OFFERS REJECTED DUTIES OF THE COUNCIL. (Received This Day, 12.30 p.m.) CANBERRA, This Day. ‘ The decision to form an Australian War Council was reached after the Official Labour Party had rejected the Government offer of half the seats jn either a National Government or a War Council, or a Cabinet with executive powers. The duties of the Australian War Council will be advisory only. The Council will consist of four members from the present Government parties, three Official Labour members and one non-Communist member. Mr Menzies or his deputy will preside over . the Council. The Government will choose a panel of Ministers from which four Government representatives on the Council will be chosen. Thus the Government personnel on the Council may change from time to time, according to the particular phases of the war effort to be discussed.