MR FRASER RETURNS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 17 September 1942, Page 4

MR FRASER RETURNS

FROM VISIT TO UNITED STATES RESULTS OF DISCUSSIONS. DESCRIBED AS EXTREMELY GRATIFYING. (By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, September 16. “The results of my consultations with representatives of the Governments and armed forces of the United Nations have been extremely gratifying,” said the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, who arrived at Auckland today on his return from the United States after his visit to Washington at the invitation of President Roosevelt. Mr Fraser returned by air and left immediately for Wellington by train. The Prime Minister said he had had full discussions with the President and with the Ambassadors for Great Britain, Lord Halifax, for Russia, M. Litvinov, and for China, Dr. Soong. He had had conversations on the strategic situation with General Marshall, Chief of Staff of the United States. Army, and Admiral J. King, Comman-der-In-Chief of the United States Atlantic and Pacific Fleets. The situation in the Pacific had been dealt with in these discussions said Mr Fraser, but he refused to comment further on the subject.

The extent of United States war production, of which he had been given full information, was extremely cheering, said Mr Fraser. He had discussed the supply of munitions, aircraft and shipping with Mr Donald Nelson, priorities director and chairman of the War Production Board, and with Mr Harry Hopkins, leaselend administrator. As a result some adjustments had been made in the lease-lend arrangements. The United Nations had cause to be most grateful to Mr Roosevelt for the initiation of the lease-lend policy, which had already substantially assisted mutual aid between New Zealand and the United States.

Synthetic rubber production was also the subject of discussion with Mr Nelson, but' Mr Fraser preferred not to comment on the likelihood of New Zealand receiving assistance in this direction.

The Prime Minister paid a tribute to the work of the New Zealand Minister tOcWashington, Mr Nash. Mr Fraser was met on his arrival by his deputy, Mr Sullivan, and Mrs Fraser.