FREE HAND

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 April 1941, Page 4

FREE HAND

LEFT TO COLLEAGUES REGARDING NATIONAL GOVERNMENT. STATEMENT BY PREMIER. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON,. This Day. The steps that would be taken if it were found that the war situation became such that the formation of a National Government was imperative were outlined by the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) at the recent conference of the New Zealand Labour Party, when discussing the Opposition’s offer. According to the “Standard.” Mr Fraser said he would immediately consult with his colleagues, in Cabinet, caucus, the executives of the Labour Party and the Federation of Labour, and if it seemed that t'he formation of a National Cabinet was the only hope for the Dominion, they would not hesitate. "We will summon the conference together,” he added, “and tell you what the situation is.” “However,” he continued, “I make this stipulation. If, when lam away, the situation rapidly develops .to the national danger, I am not going to tie the hands of my colleagues. I trust my colleagues as I trust myself.

“If they cannot communicate with me—and if there is any extension of hostilities that is possible—then they will act on their own initiative. They will make their own decisions and will, I know, if time permits, follow the course 1 have indicated. “After all. the Prime Minister and the individual counts for very little at a time'like the present. The people count for everything. "I am anxious that the facts of the situation should be faced between now and my return and that members and the party generally should consult their consciences in regard to our duty in any situation that might arise, remembering that there is something more important than the life of our party, and that is the life of the nation.”