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Wairarapa Times-Age, 13 February 1942, Page 4

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9 DISCUSSIONS IN HOUSE ON HOLLAND MEMORANDUM! REASONS EXPLAINED. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. Further discussion on the Holland memorandum, which has occupied the attention of the House for the past two or three days, took place in the House last night, when the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, stated that, if there was anything in future of a nature that was arousing doubts in the minds of the public ih regard to the country's war effort and the responsibilities of the War Cabinet, then a vote of no-confidence in the War Cabinet would be the best way to clear the minds of the people of such doubts. The Leader of the Opposition Mr Holland, said he would not like to think that anyone would interpret the ; discussion on the memorandum as meaning the slightest lack of confidence in the War Cabinet.

The Speaker, Mr Barnard, said that in discussions with the Prime Minister and the Leader’ of the Opposition, he felt it his duty to suggest that certain matters contained in the memorandum were not in his judgment wholly suitable to be debated over the air. Mr Fraser and Mr Holland concurred with him in this view.

Mr Fraser said that it would not be conducive to the success of the war effort if there were any bitter controversy. He knew that some members of both parties would like to discuss in public some of the matters still left on the agenda, and, while he personally had given an assurance that there would be an opportunity for such discussion, an assurance to which he would- like to adhere, he appreciated the matter when it was brought before him by Mr Speaker. When it was pointed out that circumstances had changed there had been nothing else to do but to accept the ruling of Mr Speaker, with which he personally concurred. The procedure adbpted had been intended to promote the fullest discussion and give the utmost information to members in secret session on matters that could' not well be discussed in public. There was nothing to regret in the course that had been followed, nor was there anything to cause uneasiness in the minds of the public. It was not wise to discuss certain matters and other .times when it was better to postpone the discussion. As members of Parliament they had a great responsibility to the people, and they tried to discharge that responsibility to the full. The whole of the discussion had been conducted on a plane which need give no man cause to blush. Mr Lee: “And the discussion was not all on the memorandum.” Mr Speaker: “The Hon. Gentleman should not mention anything about what happened in the secret session. Mr Holland said that the public would be pleased to know that in an unusual situation the leaders of the two parties could get together and try to settle difficulties in a commonsense way. , The Speaker explained that the House had vested him with certain responsibilities as to what went over the air. Forseeing difficulty in carrying cut his duty in that respect, he made representations first to the Prime Minister and subsequently to theLeader of the Opposition, pointing out his difficulties and explaining that statements made with the best intention in the world might be of advantage to the enemy, or might convey a wrong impression to our friends overseas. Fortunately for him the way was easy, because Mr Fraser end Mr Holland concurred in the view he put before them. In no sense am I a dictator. but at all times the servant of the House.” said Mr Barnard.