Great Assistance From Britain and America

Manawatu Times, Volume 67, Issue 111, 4 September 1942, Page 5

Great Assistance From Britain and America

(By Telegraph—Press Assn. —Copyright.) Received Thursday, 11.40 p.m. CANBERRA, Sept. 2. “The Pacific outlook is much brighter than appeared possible six months ago,” the Minister of External Affaire (Dr. Evatt) toid the House of Representatives to-day. “The number of combat aircraft received In the South-west Paciflo war theatre eince March has 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 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 was not over enthusiastic. He said Dr. Evatt’e proposal would hurt another high-ranking commander. “Well,” said Mr. Churchill, “unless it hurts him It is not going to be of much use to Australia and New Zealand. It has got to be done.” Dr. Evatt paid 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 and this included machine tools. Answering a question: “le the Government satisfied with the position in this theatre of war?” Dr. Evatt said: "The Government will never be satisfied until the enemy is beaten back and finally overthrown. There is too much at stake to ease up for a moment.”