POST-WAR SECURITY.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 170, 30 April 1943, Page 3

POST-WAR SECURITY.

COUNTRIES IN THE PACIFIC.

COLLABORATION NEEDED.

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. H. Y. Evatt), when addressing he Overseas Press Club. He added that Australia and New Zealand were vitally concerned about who should occupy, develop, and control the islands of the Pacific. Dr. Evatt said that 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 also 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 especially 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 Americans have not yet dreamed of,” added Dr. Evatt. “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 war. Before us we have many bitter trials and sacrifices, but ’when the Japanese aggressors are overthrown your country and ours will continue their collaboration for a better deal for all peoples in the Pacific region.”