MR NASH IN LONDON

Wairarapa Times-Age, 28 July 1942, Page 4

MR NASH IN LONDON

WIDE SCOPE OF ATLANTIC CHARTER NEW ZEALAND’S POSITION. PACIFIC WAR COUNCIL MOST USEFUL. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Received This Day, 1.5 p.m.) LONDON, July 27. Asked at a Press conference whether a Pacific charter was being framed, Mr Nash replied: “I cannot see why a Pacific charter is necessary. The Atlantic Charter was so named because it was written on the Atlantic, but it embraces all nations. It would divide the world hopelessly if there were different charters for different areas.”

A questioner asked whether there was concern in New Zealand regarding the recent Pacific crisis, remarking that nothing had been heard from New Zealand, whereas Australia had made it clear that she regarded the situation as most serious.

Mr Nash replied: “We had the idea, that by quietly talking among ourselves concerning what was being done, without any publicity, we were getting better results. There was nothing for us to squeal about.” He added: “Britain is ftilly alive to New Zealand’s position and is doing everything possible. I am satisfied that while small changes might be helpful, the Pacific War Council at Washington has been most useful for the countries bordering the Pacific, particularly Australia and New Zealand.”

Mr Brendan Bracken (Minister of Information), in introducing Mr Nash, said the British Government was greatly pleased to have Mr Nash in London. Britain deeply appreciated New Zealand’s war effort. She was small in numbers but great in heart. WAR EFFORT OF THE UNITED STATES. ROOSEVELT AN INSPIRATIONAL LEADER. (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON, July 26. Interviewed after his arrival by air from the United States, Mr W. Nash (New Zealand Minister in Washington) said: “The position in Australia and New Zealand is infinitely better after the Battle of Midway Island, though the Dominions are not entirely safe, but steps are being taken to ensure that they will play a full part when the time comes for the offensive against Japan to recover the lands that have been occupied, and also to see that the Japanese do not repeat their aggression.”

Mr Nash described as “amazing” changes he had seen in America since his arrival. “Nothing is more apparent,” he said, “than the fact that production during these few months has outdistanced all the records that were dreamed of.”

Referring to President Roosevelt, he said: “Both as chairman of the Pacific War Council and leader of the country, he is continuously an inspiration. He is probably the best-informed man on the world situation I have yet met. His insight into difficult situations is tremendous. He has the greatest courage when facing them. He has an amazing facility for dealing with men with different viewpoints, while on top of all, his magnificent outlook for freedom and social progress has won him the respect of people in all walks of life whom I have met in America. He will be one of the great personalities in the history of the world. His name and his actions will live for many centuries.”

Discussing the lease-lend scheme, Mr Nash said: “It is one of the most magnificent conceptions that has yet been worked out, and Australia and New Zealand are tremendously appreciative of the help the United States has given. The Dominions will do their full part to supply all the necessities in their power for the American forces. Asked about a second front in Europe, Mr Nash said he had his own thoughts on this subject, but he left statements to those who were qualified to make them.