AMERICANS IN DOMINION

Dominion, Volume 35, Issue 285, 1 September 1942, Page 5

AMERICANS IN DOMINION

Spirit Praised By Mr. Fraser

ADDRESS TO U.S.A. (By Telegraph.—Press Assn. —Copyright.) (Received August 31, 11.30’p.m.) WASHINGTON, August 30.

The New Zealand Prime Minister, Mr. Fraser, in a nation-wide broadcast, declared that the result of the Solomons action was definitely encouraging. The first round had been won and we were ready for the second. New Zealand always favoured offensive action like the Solomons. “We know,” he said, “that the same belief in the value of . an offensive is shared in the United States. We saw it in the attitude of your splendid boys who have already reached New Zealand. Behind' that vanguard is grouping a great array which will make possible in due course a front which will not only be the second front, but also, 1 believe, the final front.” Discussing the American war effort, Mr. Fraser said: “This has been, an encouraging visit. Even in these few days I saw enough to realize how much America is in the war, heart and soul. I know you have difficulties, particularly in the field of production. I know, too, that you have the will and ability to overcome these. Already, despite them, you are achieving amazing things.” Mr. Fraser said that he came here to discuss with President Roosevelt and the other leaders problems concerning the comjnon war effort. “Naturally, I cannot give details,” he added, “but I can say that they are progressing satisfactorily. We have gone over all the main problems regarding the war in the south Pacific and have discussed ways of dealing with them.” Belief In Offensive.

Mr. Fraser pointed out that despite New Zealand's severe losses in Libya, Crete and elsewhere, they -realized that the only way to deal with the Nazis and the Japanese was to go out and meet them rather than wait for them to attack.

“Similarly,” he said, “when, the war was brought to our doorstep in the south Pacific, we did not think iu terms merely of defending our country, but of using New Zealand as a place from which-the United Nations could drive forward and thrust the Japanese, not only out of the south Pacific, but right out of the war.’’ Mr. Fraser paid a tribute to the American forces in New Zealand. “They impressed us by their physique and soldierly bearing,’and particularly by their courtesy and discipline,” lie said. “They have already done a great deal to solidify the already strong and enduring bonds between the two countries.”