OPEN DISCUSSION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 March 1942, Page 2

OPEN DISCUSSION

OF WAR EMERGENCY PROMISED BY PREMIER. EARLY MEETING OF PARLIAMENT POSSIBLE. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. A statement that Parliament would be called together earlier than March 19 if the situation in Java became more serious was made yesterday by the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser. The purpose would be to discuss the new situation which would arise, and to consider the necessary steps taken by the War Cabinet to meet it. When the House of Representatives adjourned on February 12 an adjournment was taken to March 19 with the usual proviso that Parliament would be called together sooner should any unforeseen emergency arise. “The course of the war throughout the world generally, and particularly in the Pacific, with special reference to New Zealand’s part, will be discussed frankly in open session similar to the debates that have taken place recently in the British House of Commons,” said Mr Fraser. “It will be understood, however, that many matters of first rank importance have never been discussed in the House of Commons in open session, for the obvious reason that if certain information of military significance were given it would be of service to the enemy. It is, therefore, necessary that, in addition to a public debate when some information cannot be disclosed, there must also be a secret sitting where members can be placed in possession of the full facts.”