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a matter of the utmost satisfaction throughout the Commonwealth however, that the Government of Ireland confirms and is anxious to maintain the existence of a specially close relationship between Ireland and the Commonwealth countries. Not only are their relations based on kinship and community of interest between countries of the Commonwealth and Ireland, but a further step is to be taken by the Irish Government to amend its law relating to nationality so as to ensure, on the basis of reciprocity, that citizens of the countries of the Commonwealth will not be treated as foreigners in Ireland. Our position in New Zealand is established already. Irish citizens here will enjoy the same status as previously —a status which is defined and protected by the Nationality and Citizenship legislation passed during the current session of Parliament. It is the firm desire of the New Zealand Government that the close and friendly relations between New Zealand and Ireland, whose people have made such an outstanding contribution to the development not only of New Zealand but of other countries of the Commonwealth, should be maintained and strengthened in every possible way. From the statement made by the Governments of the United Kingdom and other parts of the Commonwealth, it will be noted that their policy is similar to our own. 3. Australian - New Zealand Relations The Australian - New Zealand Agreement of 1944 is the basis of the relationship which exists between the two countries. It was a practical measure designed to achieve practical results in cooperation, consultation, and exchange of information on matters of mutual concern to the Governments of both countries. The march of events in the last two or three years has demonstrated the necessity for and the value of the agreement. Australia and New Zealand have very many strategic, political, and economic interests in common. With the increasing growth of national sentiment among the countries of South-east Asia and the emergence of new and independent States, there rests a responsibility on New Zealand and Australia to understand their nearest neighbours and to endeavour to assist them in the rebuilding of their own countries. An attempt to assess the future problems of Australia and 'New Zealand in dealings with the South-east Asian countries is, however, beyond the scope of this report. In the field of Native administration our common interests are nearer home. Both Governments are pledged to support the activities of the South Pacific Commission and indeed have, through their initiative, made of the Commission a working reality. New Zealand, with Australia and the United Kingdom, is named as the administering authority of the trust territory of Nauru, although the actual administration has been delegated to Australia.