.jpg)
Salient: An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 11, No. 10, August 18th, 1948
Ban "The Iron Curtain," Mr. Fraser
Ban "The Iron Curtain," Mr. Fraser
Dear Sir,
With reference to your letter of 26th October, 1947, I wish to inform you that the release in New Zealand of the film "Indonesia Calling," which presents a very tenditious viewpoint on a complex and delicate question, is considered unjustifiable on the grounds that it is likely to cause ill-feeling between this country and a friendly nation.
Moreover, the film constitutes an advocacy of the undemocratic principle that minority groups may arrogate to themselves the right to conduct the foreign relations of a nation, whereas these can only be the responsibility of the Government comprising elected representatives of the people.
Publicity encouraging support of this anarchic principle cannot be acquiesced in, for to do so would be to permit a gross abuse of the freedom of expression which is vital to our system of democracy.
For these reasons it is not intended to permit the release of the film for public exhibition.
Yours faithfully,
P. Fraser.
"Advising every New Zealander who loved his country and the British way of life, the Minister said it provided ample evidence of the organised treachery on the part of the Soviet Union to undermine democratic institutions."
—Evening Post quoting Mr. Semple speaking on a preview of "The Iron Curtain."
". . . previewed and wholeheartedly approved by the Hon. R. Semple."
—Dominion, August 4th.
To libel Mr. Fraser or Mr. Semple for their above statements would be wrong, for they are two different people in nearly every sense and are both entitled to their own opinions.
It would be no surprise to find that Mr. Fraser did not agree with Mr. Semple's views on "The Iron Curtain," since he has refused to make any comment on the film and has not allowed any interviews on the matter.
But one man's reticence and caution have been met with another man's timely action to produce the incongruous policy of a Socialist Government supporting the platform of the American film industry, and denying the right of expression to Australian workers.
"You might just as well fall flat on your face as lean too far backwards."
B.M.