COMES TO FIGHT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 120, 23 May 1942, Page 8

COMES TO FIGHT

HEARTENING MESSAGE

ADMIRAL GHORMLEY'S JOB

"I have been assigned to duty in the South Pacific area, and I am glad to be in New Zealand," said ViceAdmiral Robert L. Ghormley, U.S.N., last evening, in a brief statement for the people of the Dominion issued at the request of the Auckland Star.

"The strategy of the United Nations fully appreciates the importance of New Zealand, the South Pacific and Australia in the winning of the war," the admiral's statement continued. "Time is vital, and I am here to fight a war."

During a Press conference, attended by representatives of New Zealand and overseas newspapers, Admiral Ghormley was asked what liaison his command would have with General Douglas Mac Arthur, supreme Allied commander in the Anzac zone. It was noted that this zone did not include New Zealand.

Admiral Ghormley said he would be operating under Admiral C. W. Nimitz, commander of the Pacific area. He was unable to say what liaison there would be until details of his organisation and command had been clarified. After conferences in Wellington next week, when he would meet the service chiefs, he felt he would be in a better position to speak.