AMERICAN WARSHIPS’ VISIT

Waikato Times, Volume 128, Issue 21373, 18 March 1941, Page 4

AMERICAN WARSHIPS’ VISIT

No visitors were ever more welcome to New Zealand’s shores than those six ships of the American fleet which are now in Waitemata Harbour in continuation of a training cruise. They are a symbol of the goodwill that exists between the United States of America and the British Empire—a goodwill that is open to all peoples with international friendship at heart. The announcement of the visit was received with pleasure throughout the country and it is regretted that the stay cannot be extended to enable the ships to visit every New Zealand port. The American sailors would find everywhere in New Zealand a hospitality that has been earned by a service with a fine record for efficiency and honour. So high does the international record of the United States stand that the representatives of its Navy can cruise in training almost anywhere on the high seas and receive a welcome. That place in the regard of the nations has been gained by the shunning of interference in other people’s affairs, a policy of live and let live and an endeavour to promote “ good neighbour ” relations. And so when such a training squadron puts in to a friendly harbour on a goodwill call it is meet that it should receive an appropriate welcome. The pity is that the ships of every nation cannot exchange visits without let or hindrance and be sure that everywhere they went they could be received with all the common courtesies. That day will come when the international atmosphere has been cleared of the hatred and suspicion that now cloud the relations of many countries. The visit will recall That day over 30 years ago when the first great American fleet came to New Zealand and was given a tumultuous welcome. Those were comparatively carefree days when much less was known of the heart of the United States. Since then there has been ample cause to realise that the two peoples are very closely related with common aims and a common destiny. There is therefore reason why the present visitors should be received with a warmer welcome and a deeper understanding than was possible in those far off days.