POST-WAR SECURITY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 30 April 1943, Page 3

POST-WAR SECURITY

ISSUES OUTSTANDING IN PACIFIC DISCUSSED BY DR. EVATT. NEED OF INTERNATIONAL CO-OPERATION. NEW YORK, April 29. “The problem of security for the East cannot be separated from that of security for the West. They reckon ill who overlook the Pacific when post-war security plans are being discussed.” This statement was made by the Australian Minister of External Affairs, Dr Evatt, addressing the Overseas Press Club here.

He added that Australia and New Zealand were vitally concerned about who should occupy, develop and control the islands of the Pacific. Whatever Governments were responsible, they must be prepared to accept obligations of an international character affecting matters which in the past were regarded as purely domestic concerns. They must also accept responsibility for standards of living and economic developments, not only in their own countries, but in others beyond their borders. Australia, said Dr. Evatt, was convinced that the duration of the war against Japan and the sacrifices necessary for victory could be greatly lessened if every effort was made this year, specially in air offensive operations, which were integral even in a defensive holding strategy. “This is a hard, tough war in which we are feeling the pinch to an extent the Americans have not yet dreamed of,” added the Minister. ‘-We are now approaching the bottom of our reservoir. We have no further resources of manpower on which we can draw. “We look forward to the time when, in peace, we can have the same close co-operation with the United States as we had in the war. Before us, we have many bitter trials and sacrifices, but when the Japanese aggressors are overthrown your country and ours will continue collaboration for a better deal for all the peoples in the Pacific region.”