MR. FRASER IS IMPRESSED WITH GERMANY’S PROGRESS

Grey River Argus, 17 November 1948, Page 8

MR. FRASER IS IMPRESSED WITH GERMANY’S PROGRESS

LONDON, Nov. 15. ‘‘ln spite of apparently insurmountable difficulties, the progress made in Western Germany is impressive, I .’ said the New Zealand Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon. P. Eraser, on his return to Paris after an eight-day visit to the British and American zones. “It is largely the result of the cooperation between the occupation forces and the German administration, between the democratic political parties, and, as far as I could judge, between th e trade union official and the employers. This spirit of co-operation, with a readiness to work, should enable the German people to contribute soon on a large scale toward their own and European recovery.’’ Commenting on bomb damage. Mr Fraser said: “Every German now understands the real meaning of the word ‘blitz.’ The lesson is so tremendously plain and powerful that it should be easily understood and appreciated by all potential aggressors” AIR LIFT FOR BERLIN Dealing with the air-lift, Mr Fraser added: “ Had an opportunity oi seeing the air-lift in action from all aspects and I was tremendously impressed by the enterprise and efficiency with which the operation has been conducted. The results so far achieved already exceed the most sanguine of the original expectations and I am convinced that adequate supplies for Berlin will be maintained, despite the coming winter. “Both in conception and execution, the air-lift rivals some of the great organising feats of the war years. The work of the Anglo-American occupation administrators appeared both efficient and fair. The success achieved in both the British and American zones is apparent an all sides _ “The task of preventing Germany from becoming a pauper nation permanently dependent upon the democratic countries of the world, by restoring its economy while at the same time taking all steps to eliminate to the maximum degree industrial plants and other potential resources specialised for war, is most difficult. There are many pitfalls and there are bound to be many mistakes, failures and disappointments. The problem is being handled in a manner at once efficient, firm and considerate.”