NEW OUTLOOK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 February 1942, Page 3

NEW OUTLOOK

ON WAR IN PACIFIC INDUCED BY DOMINIONS & CHINA. ACCORDING TO AMERICAN WRITER. (By Telegraph—Frees Association —Copyright) WASHINGTON, February 1. Mr Constantine Brown, the writer on international affairs for tlie Washington “Sunday Star,” today credited the Australian Government, seconded by New Zealand and China, with convincing the United States of the necessity of sending reinforcements immediately to the south-west Pacific before attempting a decisive defeat of the Germans.

Mr Brown said; “The earnest words of the Canberra Government, supported by those of New Zealand, have achieved their purpose. Forces are now being rushed to the Pacific in such strength that we can look forward with confidence that at least one member of the Axis may be halted before long.” The Japanese occupation of Australian outpost islands was, Mr Brown said, one factor in reaching the decision here. He said after that occupation the Board of Strategy of the United Nations —mainly President Roosevelt and Mr Churchill —decided to give up for the time being all thought of adventures in Europe and the Mediterranean area and concentrate all the Allied efforts to defeat (he Japanese before seriously tackling Hitler. Mr Brown continued: “The Australians spoke their mind forcefully. The Premier did not mince words in his urgent appeal to London, and he spoke plainly to the authorities in Washington. He did not dwell on the unselfish sacrifices of Australians in the battlefields in Europe and Africa, knowing that sentimental considerations do not weigh much these days; but he did point out frankly the consequences of the Australians’ plight, and he indicated that he was demanding real support before it was too late. “The time element, which during the staff conversations in Washington had been somewhat disregarded, was emphasised by the Australian Premier, who showed conclusively that the united nations cannot afford to make the mistake of thinking in terms of next year or next summer. Assistance in great quantities must come at once. He made clear that otherwise it might be 100 late, and that even Hitler’s defeat would be relatively unimportant in face of an immediate catastrophe in the Pacific.”