ALLIED STAFFS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 20 May 1942, Page 4

ALLIED STAFFS

MR ATTLEE EXPLAINS MACHINERY SAYS IT IS WORKING SMOOTHLY. QUESTIONS ABOUT BURMA. (By Telegraph—Press Association— Copyright) (Received This Day, 11.20 a.m.) RUGBY, May 19. Speaking in the war debate in the House of Commons, Mr Attlee said: “The Allies must consider the best way to reinforce Australia. It is far easier to send American forces than British, and this has been recognised in discussions between the United States and Britain. The United States has had to send large forces to Australia, but American acceptance of that responsibility does not mean any indifference on the part of Britain, or any shirking of responsibilities. Britain was ready, when the need arose, to run any risk for the defence of Australia. Common sense and sound strategy must apply and support must be sent from where it is most readily available.” Mr Attlee said that whenever a main engagement opened in Russia he was certain that the Germans would be met with the resolution, fortitude and skill the Russians had already displayed. Not only was Britain continuing to send supplies to Russia, but large enemy forces were also held in the Libyan campaign. Malta also engaged the attention of a large proportion of the Luftwaffe. The possibility of an offensive from Britain meant that the Germans had to dispose troops in order to meet the eventuality. Every move was conditioned by transport and the matter of shipping was a constant anxiety. Although immense distances made one combined General Staff impossible the Chiefs of Staff at Washington actually were a Combined General Staff, dealing in particular with the major problems of the Pacific. The Allied nations also had exchanged staff representatives and were endeavouring to get the greatest possible co-ordination of strategy and the allocation of supplies. He explained the structure of the Joint Planning Staff, and the working of the Defence Committee and the Chiefs of Staff Committee. The existing machinery, he said, was working smoothly and there was not the constant clash which seemed to occur in the last war between Service representatives and Ministers.

Mr Attlee informed a questioner that the campaign in Burma was directed by General Wavell, who was responsible to, the British Government. Asked whether an official, statement would be issued giving the reasons for defending Burma with a small ground force and air force, together with the salient features of the campaign, Mr Attlee said dispatches no doubt would be written, but it would have to be decided if it was in the public interest to publish them.