OUTLOOK IN PACIFIC

Evening Star, Issue 24291, 4 September 1942, Page 3

OUTLOOK IN PACIFIC

POSITION MUCH BRIGHTER SUBSTANTIAL AIRCRAFT SUPPLIES CANBERRA, September 3. The Pacific outlook was much brighter than appeared possible six months ago, the Minister of External Affairs (Dr H. V. Evatt) told the House of Representatives to-day. The number of combat aircraft received in the South-west Pacific war theatre since March had been very substantial and far beyond the wildest hopes of the black- days of February. Dr Evatt revealed that in London he made special arrangements with Mr Churchill bearing on the defence of |the South Pacific, including a special contribution of certain undisclosed war equipment. Dr Evatt also told the story of a conversation with Mr Churchill and a high ranking officer. When Dr Evatt had put a certain equipment proposal, the officer, who was not over-enthusias-tic, said Dr Evatt’s proposal would hurt another high ranking commander. “ Well.” Mr Churchill said, “ unless it hurts him it is not going to be much use to Australia and New Zealand. It has got to be done.” Dr Evatt paid A tribute to the assistance of the United States, which, he said, was not measured alone in aircraft, munitions, or personnel. There had been an important increase in the quantity of materials received from the United States for the manufacture of munitions in Australia. This had included machine tools. Answering the question, “ Is the Government satisfied with the position in this theatre of war? ” Dr Evatt said the Government would never be satisfied until the enemy was beaten back and finally overthrown. There was too much at stake to ease up for a moment.