Pacific Council Welcomes News From Solomons

Taranaki Daily News, 29 August 1942, Page 3

Pacific Council Welcomes News From Solomons

Rec. 9.5 p.m. Washington, Aug. 27. The Pacific War Council viewed the successes in the Solomons as a real gain. The meeting, which lasted 90 minutes, was devoted almost exclusively to the Rt.. Hon. P. Fraser's report on the Southwest Pacific and New Zealand's relation to the battle programme. The Hon. W. Nash acted as spokesman. Mr. Nash told the Press his own impression that the Allied gain in the Solomons, is real. There had been a considerable dispersal of Japanese forces in the South-west Pacific area and the outlook was rather encouraging. The losses of aeroplanes at one point had been in the proportion of seven Allied against 33 Japanese. Mr. Nash said the council discussed the new Japanese landing at New Guinea but he did not comment on this. He said Mr. Fraser reported on his consultations with the Rt Hon. J. Curtin and General MacArthur. President Roosevelt discussed the Solomons operations. Mr. Nash, comfnenting on Press reports, said these had already given most of what was going on. Lord Halifax, British Ambassador, said Mr. Fraser was much impressed with the cordial way the Australian and American forces were working together. Mr. Fraser lunched with Mr. Cordell Hull. The President's secretary, Mr. Steven Early, said President Roosevelt stayed up until 2 o'clock this morning talking with , Mr. Fraser and Mr. .J. C. Grew, United States Ambassador, returned from Japan, in the President's study. Mr. Nash was also present. The President and Mr. Fraser resumed their conference after breakfast, spending most of the morning together. They then went to the Pacific Council meeting.