NO BRITISH NEGLECT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 January 1942, Page 3

NO BRITISH NEGLECT

OF WAR IN THE PACIFIC FEARED BY NEW ZEALAND. STATEMENT BY PREMIER. t ißy Telegraph—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, This Day. When asked last night to comment on developments in the Pacific area, the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, pointed to the general mobilisation and the drastic restrictions imposed in various directions as proof of the serious view taken by the Government, and more particularly by those entrusted with the direction of New Zealand's war effort, the War Cabinet and the chiefs of staffs. “The position of New Zealand and our requirements in war equipment, both for our own shores and our other Pacific responsibilities, have been pressed consistently and persistently with both the United Kingdom and the United States, said Mr Fraser. “The response to our representations, particularly within recent months, during which period munitions production has largely increased in both countries, has been heartening.” CLOSE CONTACT MAINTAINED. The Prime Minister also commented on a Press cablegram recently published which, implied that the attitude of the British War Cabinet was to defeat Hitler first, and then devote active attention to the war in the Pacific. “The New Zealand War Cabinet is in daily and often hourly cable communication with Mr Churchill and the British War Cabinet, and never on any occasion was such a statement made by the United Kingdom authorities, nor was there ever any mention or even hint of such an attitude receiving a moment’s consideration from the British Prime Minister or his colleagues,” said Mr Fraser. “Indeed, Mr Churchill on assuming office showed his appreciation of the possibility and danger of the present war situation arising in the Pacific, and he promised support to the limit of Britain’s capacity. The sending of the Prince of Wales and the Repulse to Singapore was proof of the fact that Mr Churchill’s pledge of naval support' was being fulfilled sooner than at one time was thought possible, most unfortunately, however, with regrettable results. "The New Zealand War Cabinet is in close consultation both with the United Kingdom and Australia on the most effective methods of directing the Pacific war. Furthermore, New Zealand’s point of view is being made plain both in London and Washington, where the most friendly and co-opera-tive relations exist. AVOIDING HYSTERIA. “That there have been shortages of arms and equipment in all the democratic countries is unfortunately true, but those disabilities are being overcome,” said Mr Fraser. “While we must take the most serious view of the Pacific war situation and take, as in fact the War Cabinet and the services are taking, every possible step to combat any attack which may be made upon us, we must not on any account give way to scares or anything approaching hysteria. “New Zealand’s attitude in our hour of danger is that of everyone carrying out his duty, wherever it lies, in the defence of our country and if facing our ordeal, whatever it may be, with endurance, fortitude and unflinching courage. The example of our men in Greece, Crete and Libya, of our airmen, of our Navy, the example of the people of Britain clothed with the nobility of calm courage and determination is the example that New Zealand as a whole will follow.”