NO APPEASEMENT

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21363, 6 March 1941, Page 7

NO APPEASEMENT

POLICY OF AUSTRALIA MR MENZIES EXPLAINS DEFENCE TO THE LAST (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received March 6, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, March 5 “I am in entire agreement with the Australian War Council. I am not advocating a policy of appeasement in the Pacific or anything like it. It has been made perfectly clear that we will defend all our interests to the last.” In these words Mr Menzies, Australian Prime Minister, replied to Mr Beasley’s criticism of Mr Menzies’ recent speech:— I cannot see the faintest connection between a frank realisation of facts and a policy ol' appeasement which Australia has never entertained,” said Mr Menzies. “I have always understood that an appeasement policy was one of retreat. Australia would never practise that.” Complaining against the tyranny of words, Mr Menzies said: “The time is coming when if you look over your garden wall to say good-day to a neighbour you will be accused of appeasing him.” MR MENZIES’ SPEECH AUSTRALIAN WAR CABINET CONFLICT OF OPINION (United Press Assn.— Elec. Tel. Copyright) MELBOURNE, March 5 Members of the War Council at their meeting to-morrow are expected to ask a number of questions concerning the basis of Mr Menzies’ speech in London concerning Pacific relations. Mr Forde, deputy-Labour leader and a member of the council, said today that he would be interested to learn from Mr Fadden, acting-prime I Minister, what had caused the conflict of opinion between Mr Menzies, ; the War Council and the Cabinet ; concerning the Pacific. Mr Fadden’s f recent warning was given after careful consideration and advice from ' responsible quarters. “I would like to know,” said Mr Forde, “whether Mr Menzies was advised by the Government of all the relevant facts before making his appeasement speech. It seems strange that a Government leader abroad speaks with one voice and the War Cabinet with another. “I believe we should encourage the friendliest relationship between Australia and other Powers. We want peace in the Pacific, but we have too much to lose in following a policy of laissez faire. The experiences of other countries have shown that appeasement can be carried too far.” Difficult lo Understand It is reported that more than one member of the council finds it hard to understand Mr Menzies’ apparent depreciation of the significance to be attached to Japan’s part in the Berlin-Rome-Japan Axis. The full text of Mr Menzies’ speech is being sought from London. The Japanese Consul-General here, Mr Akiyama, is highly pleased with Mr Menzies’ speech, the keynote of which, he said, was a plea for a better understanding and tolerance between Australia and Japan. Mr Akiyama added that it was the earnest desire of Japanese business interests for a cordial understanding with Australia, and complete restoration of the spirit of friendliness which had hitherto characterised the relations of the two countries. REPORTED ESCAPE EX-KING CAROL OF RUMANIA FROM SPAIN TO PORTUGAL (United Press Asn.—Elec. Tel. Cooyrlght) (Received March 6, 1 p.m.) BUCHAREST, March 5 Ex-King Carol of Rumania and Madame Lupescu are reported to have escaped from Spain to Portugal. They travelled as man and wife on a Polish passport in a car with a Polish diplomatic license.