Mr. Macdonald favours scheme

The implications of New Zealand's present day close relationship with South East Asia were bluntly stated by the Hon. T. L. Macdonald, Minister of External Affairs, in an address at VUC recently.

"No longer do we have the choice that was open to us before the war," he said, "whether to involve ourselves in the destiny of Asia or not; and we are so committed now that we cannot draw back."

Mr. Macdonald went on to endorse Sir Clifton Webb's statement that "if we wish to maintain our own standard of living we must help to raise that of others." Mr. Macdonald said that we cannot safeguard ourselves by considerations of defence alone.

'"Our humanitarian obligations can be the only successful basis for peace; and it cannot be over-emphasized that it is relationship on a personal basis that makes for better understanding."

He pointed out that while the government has sponsored such schemes as the Colombo Plan and SEATO, projects such as the student scholarship outlined above, play an essential part, especially in countries like Indonesia not provided for under government schemes, and especially where expressions of personal goodwill are needed to gain the friendship of peoples who have recently gained their independence.

"If we in our state of plenty and well-being can help the peoples of South East Asia and can contribute in any way, then it is our bounden duty to do so." concluded Mr. Macdonald.