Mr. Fraser Broadcasts to America

Manawatu Times, Volume 67, Issue 208, 1 September 1942, Page 5

Mr. Fraser Broadcasts to America

“SOLOMONS ACTION DEFINITELY ENCOURAGING’ Received Monday, 11.20 p.m. WASHINGTON, Aug. SO. New Zealand’s prime Minister (Mi. Peter Fraser) in a nationwide bioadcas. declared that the result of the boiomons 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 and we know that the same belief in the valu«of the offensive is shared in the Uniteu States. We saw it in the attitude oi your splendid boys who have already reached New Zealand. Behing that van guard is the grouping of a great array which will make possible in due course a front which will not only be a seconu iront but also, I believe, the final front. Discussing the American war effort Mr. Fraser said: “This has been an encouraging visit. Even in these few day* 1 saw enough to realise how muen America is in the war heart and soul, i Know you have difficulties, particularly in Uie field of production. I know,, too, you nave the will and ability to overcome these. Already despite them you are achieving amazing things. * Mr. Fraser said he came here to discuss with President Roosevelt and othei leaders problems concerning the common war effort. “I naturally cannot give de tails, but I can say that they are progressing satisfactorily. We have gone over all the mam problems regarding tne war in the South Pacific ana have discussed ways of dealing with them.” Mr. Fraser pointed out that despite New Zealand's severe losses in Libya, Crete and elsewhere New Zealand realises that the only way to deal with the Nazis and Japanese is to go out and meet them rather than wait for them to attack. •'Similarly when the war was brought to our doorstep in the South Pacific we did not think in terms merely of defending our country but of using New Zealand au a place from which the United Nations could drive forward to thrust the Japanese not only out of the South Pacific but right out of the war.” Mr. Fraser paid tribute to the American forces in New Zealand. “They impressed us by their physique and soldierly oearing, and particularly by their courtesy and discipline. They have already done a great deal to solidify the already strong and enduring bonds between the two countries.”