Wairarapa Times-Age THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1943. CO-OPERATION WITH AUSTRALIA.

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 December 1943, Page 2

Wairarapa Times-Age THURSDAY, DECEMBER 23, 1943. CO-OPERATION WITH AUSTRALIA.

lyilATI'W I<K I lie arrangements thus far made by the govern- ’ menls of Australia and New Zealand to confer on fid lire Pacific policy, il is ralher obviously desirable that every effort should be made by Ihe two Dominions to reach on this subject the clearest, and closest understanding that is attainable. It is al the same time plain that open frankness by the two governments and free public discussion are needed in order that understanding may be reached and established on a firm basis.

Observing that: “It cannot be .said that public interest here has centred to any marked extent on the wider issues of Imperial affairs,” a Wellington paper has added that the idea, said to be entertained in Australia, that the Commonwealth and the Dominion should reach an agreement “as an indispensable preliminary to any Imperial conference” at which consideration might be given to future Pacific policy, is not necessarily a sound one. This, to say the least, is to take a somewhat limited view - of the prospect and problems by which we are faced. No one, presumably, has any doubt about the advisability and necessity of co-operating as closely as possible with Australia in the war in which we arc now engaged. Docs it not follow that we should be eager to maintain this co-operation in helping to do what may be done to establish peace and security in the, Pacific?

With Australian and New Zealand forces engaged in arduous and costly operations in what promises to be a Jong Avar in the Pacific, there is much to be said for the opinion expressed by the High Commissioner for Australia in New Zealand (Air D’Alton), at the State luncheon, at which he was welcomed in. Wellington on Tuesday, that on Australia and New Zealand will rest a great deal of responsibility for the peace and security of the region in which we arc geographically situated. It is agreed very generally that the duly of laying the foundations of an enduring peace must devolve upon the four major Allied Powers, but in. the development of an effective system of collective security small as well as large and powerful nations have an all-important part to play.

The choice open Io the people of New Zealand is defined plainly. AVc may take a responsible, if limited part in contributing’ as we may to the establishment of a. better world order —an order in which aggression will be curbed and friendly contact and collaboration with other peaceful nations extended ’to its practicable limits—or we may accept passively whatever measures of international regulation and control are introduced by the United Nations when the enemies of freedom have been overthrown.

If we decide to adopt a policy of active enterprise and participation—-for example in helping to police the Pacific and to establish safeguards against future aggression—it follows as a matter of course that we must carry co-operation with Australia. to its limits, and meantime as a first step in that direction, aim at reaching the closest possible understanding with the Commonwealth in regard to future Pacific policy. We have some points of difference with our neighbour Dominion, notably on details of trade adjustment, and .most certainly should continue io uphold our national interests in. these matters and others. No questions of this kind should be allowed, however, to obscure our tremendous common interest with Australia in doing everything that may be done, after victory has been Avon, to establish peace and security in the Pacific. This will not be the task of a day or a year, but will continue indefinitely into the future. In approaching that task we most certainly should seek unitv of aim and action with the Commonwealth.