MR FRASER’S BROADCAST

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 1 September 1942, Page 4

MR FRASER’S BROADCAST

COMMENT ON WAR SITUATION I TRIBUTE TO AMERICA'S EFFORT ‘Roc. 11.20 a.m.) Washington, Aug. 30. Mr P. Fraser. Prime Minister of New Zealand, in a nation-wide broadcast declared: “The result of the Solomons action js definitely encouraging. The first round has been won and we are ready for the second. New Zealand has always favoured offensive action ! like the Solomons and we know the j same belief in the value of an offensive is shared in the United States. Wc saw , it in the attitude of your splendid boys who have already reached New Zeal land. Behind that vanguard is group- ' mg a great array which will make possible in due course a front which will ' not only be a second front but also, I j believe, the final front.” I Discussing the American war effort i Mr Fraser said: “Even in these few days j I have seen enough to realise how much i America is in the war heart and soul. I ! know you have difficulties, particularly in the field of production. I know, 100, you have 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 other leaders problems concerning the common war effort.” I naturally cannot give details but I can say 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.” Mr Fraser pointed out that despite New Zealand’s severe losses in Libya, Crete and elsewhere, “we realise the only way to deal with 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 of merely defending our country but of using New Zealand as a place from which the United Nations would 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 have impressed us by their physique, soldierly bearing and particularly their courtesy and discipline. They have already done a great deal to solidify the already strong and enduring bonds between the two countries. —P.A.