DEFENCE OF NX

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 176, 28 July 1942, Page 5

DEFENCE OF NX

RESIST INVASION Mr. Fraser Reaches Melbourne In Australian Tour Rec. 10.30 MELBOURNE, this day. The Prime Minister of New Zealand, Mr. Fraser, who arrived in Melbourne yesterday, discussed supplies with Federal Ministers. Today he will inspect aircraft factories. He said that New Zealand's defensive system had improved enormously in the last few months and was now capable of resisting and defeating any invasion attack. The defence of the Pacific was an essential condition for success for the Allied Nations. There could not be a complete victory without a victory ever Japan. He was sure that every effort would be made to establish a second European front, but, in the meantime, he emphasised the importance of the Pacific offensive. MASSING FOR ATTACK Defensive Phase In Pacific Passing PAPUA POSITION IN HAND Special Australian Correspondent Rcc. 2 p.m. MELBOURNE, this day. The defensive phases in the Pacific warfare are passing and forces are gathering for an offensive, declared Mr. Fraser, Prime Minister of New Zealand, in Melbourne yesterday. He said that he believed this would be so in spite of the Japanese landing in Papua, "which our forces seem to have in hand." The Pacific offensive would contribute as much as would victory anywhere to the defeat of the Axis Powers. Without a Pacific victory, he said, there could not be a total overthrow of Nazi and Fascist forces.

Mr. Fraser is discussing matters of supply and liaison in Melbourne and will attend a meeting of the Australian War Advisory Council in Canberra on Thursday. "Australia is doing a splendid job," he said. "Liaison with New Zealand is very good. The Commonwealth Government is most helpful in all matters and there is the fullest co-operation between us," the Prime Minister added.

Mr. Fraser was met at the train by the Minister of Munitions, Mr. Makin, on behalf of the Commonwealth Government.

SHOT FIRST HUN SEEN

Rec. 2 p.m. RUGBY, July 27. The first German bomber they had ever seen was shot into the sea to-night by two Canadian sergeantpilots of Fighter Command, states the Air Ministry. Flying Spitfires they spotted a Junkers 88 when about 60 miles from land. One of them attacked from dead astern and the other from one side. One of the Canadians, who is only 19, joined-the R.A.F. straight from school.