SHIPPING'S PART IN EMPIRE'S FIGHT

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 164, 14 July 1941, Page 6

SHIPPING'S PART IN EMPIRE'S FIGHT

THE importance of shipping in the A Empire's fight for freedom was stressed by Sir Ronald Cross, former Minister of Economic Warfare and Minister of Shipping in the British Government, in his response at the State dinner tendered to him at the Grand Hotel on Saturday night.

"The fundamental struggle is still the struggle for the seas," he declared.

Sir Ronald, who is on his way to undertake his new duties as High Commissioner for Great Britain in Australia, referred briefly to New Zealand's shipping problems, the difficulties of sending reinforcements of troops from Britain to the Middle East, and the prospects for Britain in the Battle of the Atlantic—or, as he preferred to call it, the "Battle of the Seas."

Ships for New Zealand

His experience in shipping and his contacts with New Zealand's High Commissioner, Mr. Jordan, had impressed on him the consequences that a shortage of shipping would have on New Zealand's economy. He had, therefore, been glad to hear while on his way here that a satisfactory agreement had been come to regarding the transport of foodstuffs from the Dominion and the disposal of the surplus. If there had been any shortcomings in his own attitude to the matter this was the time to confess—but he had nothing to confess. He had done his best.

"There is no magic whereby more shipping can be put at the disposal of New Zealand consistent with the successful waging of the war in all theatres," he said.

New Zealand was in the forefront in the economical packing of produce so as to conserve shipping space, and, in discussion with Dominion representatives, he had given an undertaking that the volume of shipping to New Zealand would not be reduced because any development in economical packing allowed the shipping space available to be still further conserved. For the sake of accuracy, however, he would record that that promise given by him was for the term of 1941 only.

A blow struck at any one ship in the Battle of the Seas was a blow at the shipping of every part of the Empire, because shipping was pooled Shipping, he said, should be ranked as a Dominion; it linked the Empire together ... it was the mortar that held together the structure of Empire. The enemy was chipping at that mortar, seeing in that strategy his most vital attack. AH Must Battle Looking at that question soberly we could see a way through—provided that all concerned in that particular battle on Britain's side played their part—owners, shippers, crews and dockers. The work of the shipyards was of great importance. It would be obvious to everyone that the delivery of the ships how being built in Britain and America was of great consequence to the Empire.

It was necessary that everv worker in the cause of the democracies should realise the urgencv of the position. Britain knew what it was

to lack that sense of urgency during that period when the war on the Western Front seemed a stalemate— when Americans referred to it as "that phoney war." Then, however, had come the bombers. Out of loss and suffering the people of Britain had found a will and a determination to see this war through, putting into it every ounce of energy. They had a full knowledge then of the urgent necessity for that effort.

As a part of that struggle he had been pleased to hear of the announcement made by Mr. Nash that the "turn round" of ships in New Zealand ports had risen by 75 per cent. That was a very valuable contribution to the battle of the seas. Middle East Position Regarding the position in the Middle East, on which the eyes of New Zealand were more closely turned because her sons were battling there, Sir Ronald said that it was imperative there that we should stand and fight. Otherwise we would have to surrender the Mediterranean and expose Africa, Iran, Iraq and India to successful attack.

Britain's inability to concentrate larger forces there had thrown a heavy burden on those engaged in the battles of the Middle East, and the way the troops there had shouldered it had won the unbounded admiration of the people at Home. The conduct of New Zealand's soldiers had aroused feelings of enthusiasm and pride.

Sir Ronald then dealt with shipping difficulties in regard to the sending of supplies and reinforcements to the Middle East. The difficulties were those of time-table. No one knew better than he what that problem was. Ships diverted to the carrying of troops and supplies had to be sent on that long voyage round the Cape, a voyage of 24,000 miles, and it was months before they could return to other important transport work. Nobody knew better than he how tragic it was to come up against "an unsurpassable fact of geography."

Sir Ronald urged once again the desperate needs of the battle we were fighting as partners in the struggle. Our independence was in the melting pot. We were defending the first necessity of life—our freedom. Freedom was as necessary to us as food, light and air, and we would die rather than give it up.

We reckoned 1941 as a "tough year." making great demands on the "sticking power" which we had in the British Empire. No doubt 1942 would have its grim features, too, but then we could look to the coming forward of great quantities of all manner of equipment, allowing us to choose the moment, the place and the scale on which we could deliver our attack on the enemy.

It was then we would see what the effect of heavy blows on his morale would be. Of the outcome in those circumstances he was confident. The dog which stole and fought over another dog's bone would never have the courage of a mother defending her own. The bully would turn lickspittle.

"The German of to-day will do that," he said, "just as surely as he did that in 1918."