SITUATION IN ARGENTINA

Press, Volume LXXIX, Issue 23970, 10 June 1943, Page 5

SITUATION IN ARGENTINA

Martial -Law Ended FUTURE FOREIGN POLICY (N.Z. Press Association—Copyright) (Rec. 11 p.m.) BUENOS AIRES, June 9. Martial law has been lifted in Argentina. The Associated Press of America says that the President (General Ramirez) last night declared that Argentina’s foreign relations would be regulated not only by words, but by acts which “will draw us even nearer to our American brothers.’’ This is interpreted in some quarters as possibly meaning that Argentina will give effect to the resolution adopted at the Pan-American Conference in Rio de Janeiro, calling for the breaking off of relations with Germany, Italy, and Japan. The United Press of America says that after the first meeting of the new Cabinet foreign embassies were formally informed that the new Government had .been constituted- and approved by the Supreme Court. This is the first step towards securing recognition of the Government by foreign Powers. CHILEAN CABINET’S RESIGNATION “FOREIGN POLICY NOT AFFECTED ” NEW YORK. June 8. The President of Chile (Sr. Juan Rios) has postponed his visit to the United States following the resignation of the Chilean Cabinet. He said that the resignation of the Cabinet did not affect the foreign policy of Chile; which was one of total adherence to the cause of thp democracies. USE OF GAS BY AXIS ROOSEVELT THREATENS RETALIATION (8.0. W.) RUGBY, June 8. Mr Roosevelt has threatened the Axis peoples of Europe and Asia with the terrible consequences of an Allied gas attack if their military leaders employ such methods. In a formal statement, the President said: “Evidence that the Axis Powers are making significant preparations indicative of such intentions is being reported wth increasing frequency from a variety of sources.” He said he wanted to make if* clear beyond all doubt, that if any of the Axis Powers were contemplating using such desperate and barbarous methods, acts of this- nature committed against any of the United Nations would be regarded as having been committed against the United States itself, and would be treated accordingly. . * Mr Roosevelt declared: “We promise to any perpetrators full and swift retaliation in kind, and I feel obliged now to warn the Axis armies and the Axis peoples of Europe and Asia that the terrible consequences of any use of these inhuman methods on their part will be brought down swiftly and surely upon their own heads. Any use of gas by any of the Axis Powers, therefore, will be immediately followed by the fullest possible retaliation upon munition centres, seaports, and other military objectives, throughout the whole extent of the territory of such Axis country.” This is the third warning given by Mr Roosevelt, and it recalls a similar one given by Mr Churchill on May 10 of last year. . ' “The United States is prepared to match the enemy in the modern effective use of chemical warfare," states a bulletin issued by the United States Chemical Warfare Service. The bulletin says: “In contrast to the limitations of early methods of releasing gas clouds to drift with the wind to the enemy lines, chemical warfare agents can now be employed almost in any place where explosives are used. , ■ “Bombs, artillery and mortar shells, land mines, hand-grenades, and riflegrenades can be filled with destructive chemical materials. Aeroplanes can be fitted with special tanks for effectively spraying various toxic agents. Gas can be laid on enemy positions almost immediately by means of projectiles fired by artillery, mortars, and projectors. Gas can also be released from cylinders when conditions are particularly favourable, while gas candles and smoke-pots are other mediums for dissemination.” HON. F. JONES IN ENGLAND VISIT TO DOVER AREA (Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.) (Rec. 9 p.m.) LONDON, June 8. The New Zealand Minister of Defence (Mr F. Jones) saw the coast of France ‘through haze when he visited the Dover defences. He saw the big guns which frequently engage In longrange duels with the Germans. One gun fired several practice rounds, enabling Mr Jones to watch the speed and efficiency with which the guns are manned and handled. Mr Jones met Warrant-Officer D. Greenslade '(Dunedin), who was awarded the M.B.E. for efficiency while serving with the battery. Mr Jones boarded a motor torpedoboat commanded by Sub-Lieutenant K. H. Mackenzie (Christchurch), and with Lieutenant 0. V. Fisher (Auckland) and Sub-Lieutenants I. G. Wilson (Christchurch) and A. H. Newton (Wellington). He visited a motor-boat base where the crews are always ready to dash out into the Channel at a moment's notice.

The following day Mr Jones visited H.M.S. King Alfred, where some 000 members of the R.N.Z.N.V.R. have been commissioned. He called at the Australian and New Zealand reception centre where airmen go on arrival'from Australia. New Zealand, and Canada. He talked with 130 New Zealanders who recently arrived. Mr Jones paid a special visit to the famous Biggin Hill station to meet Wing Commander Alan Deere. D.5.0., D.F.C.. and Bar, Squadron Leader J. Houston (Wellington), and Flight L-u tenant J. Checketts (Invercargill). EFFECT OF RAIDS ON GERMANY FEWER CASUALTIES IN FINAL OFFENSIVE (8.0.W,) RUGBY, June 8. “The air forces of Britain and the Allies will not finish the war by their efforts alone, hurt the effect of their pounding of the enemy on his industrial battle fronts will soften him so that final victory may be won without the appalling casualties we sustained in the last war.” This statement was made by Marshal of the Royal Air Force Lord Trenchard during a visit to Malta. “Had it not been for the work of our air forces our casualties at El Alamein might have been increased tenfold, and the battle for Tunisia might have been going on still with thousands of casualties being incurred,” he said. Lord Trenchard said he wduld like the Royal Air Force in Malta to know how much the people of Britain appreciated the work they had done and were continuing to do in Malta.