Evening star., 1952-05-19
Mr.. Menzies Returns

Australas Prime Minister Menzies in WASH
ington for few days en- route to London, is
proved friend of the United States and stalwart
figure in the leadership of the free world. Twice
before, in 1941 and 1850, he has visited here in
the capacity of head of his government and his
return now is a welcome one.
While the primary purpose of his present
travel is for consultation with Mr.. Churchill and
the Conservative government leaders in London,
several of the subjects on his conference agenda
require discussion here Broadly speaking, Mr..
MenZieS' problems are ones that are common in
type to those in most of the free nationS-the
definition Of defense responsibilities, the integra
ton of national economy with the burdens of
the military program, and q rugged political
opposition at home.
Quite logically, Australias principal concern
on the security front revolves around events,
actual and potential, in the Pacific-Asiatic area
The Korean war-to which Australia has con-
tributed forces-and the possibilities of new
Communist aggressions in southeast Asia de-
mand effort and attention from the down
under" country. Japan's past behavior has left
in the Australian mind some reservations about
its future conduct The Australian American
New Zealand security pact was created very
largely for these reasons. Australia is aware,
however, of the British-American emphasis on
Europe and of the drain which this imposes on
the defense production and manpower Of the
western nations In the light of this circum-
stance, the Canberra government is understood
to desire closer liaison with the NATO plan
ming and channel for more direct repre-
sentation of Australias own needs in the way
of defense assistance.
On the economic side, Australia is suffering
some of the rather general inf1ationary ills of
the free world. As part Of the sterling bloc, the
country has the common aiment Of a serious
dollar shortage which her exports have not been
able to overcome. One tcounter-meaSure has
been a sharp curtailment of imports but this
has caused a dislocation of normal trade rela-
tions with Britain. Mr.. MenzieS Is expected to
discuss this problem with the London govern
ment and it is also reported that he will talk
with International Monetary Fund officials here
on the question of further dollar accommodation
for his country. During his 1850 visit, he ar
ranged for q $3.50 million loan from the Fund
and this is being disbursed In instalments over
q five-year period
Unfortunately one Of the political vexations
harassing Mr.. Menzies is the opposition party's
charge that under his government Australia
is tending to become a mere American satellite
in important matters" It is an absurd accusa-
ton, of course, but one that must be kept in
mind in the continuing close association between
the two countries.
It is certain that the Prime Minister will
receive an understanding consideration Of his
particular problems from our own Government
Both Mr. Menzies and his country are held here
In high regard.
"only nationalism stands in the way Of q
federated Europe"-or how every one in family
Of - can live his own life In q two-room
apartment.