SURPRISE ROMMEL

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 168, 18 July 1942, Page 5

SURPRISE ROMMEL

MR. NASH SPEAKS

War Progress Surveyed By

Pacific Council

United Press Association.—Copyright. Rec. 2 p.m. WASHINGTON, July 17

Suggesting that the Germans themselves had been surprised that they got so far in Egypt, Mr. Nash. New Zealand Minister in Washington, said to-day they may be just as surprised at what happens in the next week or two.

Mr. Nash was acting as spokesman for the Pacific War Council, which has just made a 90-minute survey of war problems. He explained that attention was largely focused on the Mediterranean, where the situation had obviously improved. Nevertheless, the troubles and difficulties were still sternly real. Therefore, it would be unwise to boast, hut it could be said that the fight in progress was reasonably even. So much time was given to the Mediterranean because of its profound influence on the Pacific area, he said.

Asked whether this importance was derived from the possibility of the Germans and Japanese pressing for a juncture of their force through India, Mr. Nash replied: "That is a dream given some currency." Then he added his comment about the possibility of surprises for the Germans.

Mr. Nash introduced to President Roosevelt Commodore Parry, who is going home after a period' as Commander of the New Zealand Naval Squadron, and Captain Geoffrey Cox, the Legation's first secretary.