FRIENDS EVERYWHERE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 August 1941, Page 4

FRIENDS EVERYWHERE

MR COATES BROADCASTS IMPRESSIONS OF AMERICAN TOUR. REMARKABLE EXPANSION OF WAR PRODUCTION. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) . WELLINGTON, This Day. Impressions gained on his recent visit to the United States of America and Canada were given by Mr Coates, M.P., a member of New Zealand's War Cabinet, in an address last night. He was much impressed by the rapid development of production in both countries, he said. Planes, tanks, guns, light automatics, war materials of all kinds, were literally rolling off the lines in a way that gave tremendous promise for the future. Canada's war effort was extraordinarily good, both in the production of material—factories were working three shifts a day, seven days a week—and in the number of volunteers for service overseas. French Canadians, so far as he could gather, were playing their part well. He was impressed by Canada's readiness to assist N<iw Zealand in every possible way. ’

“The part the United States is playing must give reassurance and confidence to us all,” Mr Coates said. “Everywhere in the United States I ■ met friends, who, though they are not citizens of the British Empire, are anxious to help us.” From what he saw, American production of war materials, much of which, under the Lease and Lend legislation, could be transferred to Britain and her Allies, would soon reach dimensions almost beyond comprehension. Mr Coates 1 said he felt the time had arrived for- a vigorous programme of training for men to handle the various types of tanks that were being produced. “My conclusion was that the Americans are ready and willing to help to train our personnel with theirs,” he added. He felt that New Zealand’s position would be greatly improved as a result of the visit which he and Mr Langstone had made.

“Let us direct our minds to one thing," said Mr Coates in conclusion. “Let us eliminate-any petty squabbling and show that we are determined to back up our lads on land, at sea and in the air.”