GOOD BEGINNING

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 April 1942, Page 4

GOOD BEGINNING

PACIFIC WAR COUNCIL i VIEWS OF REPRESENTATIVES OF DOMINIONS. FAVOURABLY IMPRESSED. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) (Received This Day, 12.10 p.m.) WASHINGTON, April 1. “Tremendously valuable,” was the comment of members attending the first meeting of the Pacific War Council at the White House today. Lord Halifax said President Roosevelt gave a general review of the war situation and various points were considered and discussed. The meeting was most helpful and meetings would be held with reasonable regularity. The next is scheduled for Tuesday. Dr. Evatt (Australia) said the conference had proved a very satisfactory beginning. Mr Nash (New Zealand) said it was a tremendously interesting and valuable meeting. Both Dr. Evatt and Mr Nash agreed that they had a full opportunity .to express their views, without being subordinated in any way. Mr T. V. Soong (China) said: We will be getting to grips with the whole situation more and more.” Asked whether he had received any encouragement regarding China S particular problems, Mr Soong replie that the emphasis was on the overall war effort rather than on the interests of any single nation. President Roosevelt presided and did not talk. No major decisions were reached. The discussions were largely oi a preliminary nature to map out what the Council will do. Mr Harry Hopkins attended and also Dr. Loudon (Netherlands), and a Canadian representative. Asked whether he would represent Australia permanently on the Council, Dr Evatt replied that he would do so pro tern. Dr. Evatt expects to go to Canada after Tuesday’s Council meeting, returning to Washington afterwards. WAR COMMITTEE CANADIAN APPOINTMENT. (Received This Day, 12.20 p.m.) OTTAWA, April L The Prime Minister (Mr Mackenzie King) announced the appointment of Major-General Maurice Pope as representative of the Canadian Cabinet on the War Committee in Washington.