TOWARD U.S.A.

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21217, 13 September 1940, Page 10

TOWARD U.S.A.

CO-OPERATION MOVEMENT NEW YORK PRESS REPORT ACTIVITIES IN WELLINGTON The recent formation of the British-American Co-operation Movement in Wellington was reported in the United States Press. On August 17 the New York Times displayed prominently the following special cable from Wellington, dated August 16:— Backed by Prime Minister Peter Fraser, a new organisation called the British-American Co-operation Movement for World Peace was launched here today. Described as a non-political and non-partisan movement, it will undertake the task of educating New Zealanders on the necessity for joint action with tfce United States and will give active co-operation to similar groups abroad. The first objective will be an effort toward a Pacififc peace pact between the United States and the British Empire, with provision for the admission of other nations. All activities of the organisation will be subject to the determination to preserve the position of New Zealand as a member of the Empire, but. closer relations with the United Spates will be the chief aim. The promotion of friendly intercourse and increased transport facilities will rank with the creation of diplomatic and cultural ties. A constant exchange of views between the Australian and New Zealand sections of the movement will be maintained. Trade Expansion It was claimed at a recent meeting that a similar movement in Australia was largely responsible for the appointment of Richard G. Casey as Minister to Washington, and Chairman Leigh Hunt declared that there was no limit to the advantages for New Zealand in closer co-operation with the United States, while this country could offer the United States harbours, docks, air-fields and an extensive market for exports. It was hoped that expansion of twoway trade was possible, as even before the war Britain was having difficulty in taking New Zealand’s exports. Many prominent citizens are associated with the movement. Coincidentally, extension of the Monroe Doctrine to the Pacific was urged by Heinrich von Haast, son of one of this country’s pioneers. Mr Haast argued that the Antipodes fell naturally within the Western Hemisphere and were strategic outposts, the controlling of which would benefit the United States without involving the United States in the European conflict.