THE CAMPAIGN IN GREECE

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23354, 13 June 1941, Page 6

THE CAMPAIGN IN GREECE

SENDING OF N.Z. TROOPS DECISION DEFENDED BY MR NASH (F.0.P.R.) WELLINGTON, June 12. The decision to send New Zealand troops to Greece and Crete was vigorously defended by the Acting-Prime Minister (the Hon. W. Nash) in the debate on the Imprest Supply Bill in the House of Representatives to-day. The Minister also replied to- subjects raised by Mr J. A. Lee (Democratic Labour, Grey Lynn) in a speech, of which the greater part was cut off the air at his own request. ‘No one can say that the decision made by this Government is not justified now by the facts,” Mr-Nash said. There had been no bravado in the statement by the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) that in like circumstances he would do the same thing again. It was a ci ul 6t, logical statement, made after thought had been given to the whole position. He said that in like circumstances that which was done in Greece would be done again, and it is the only thing that could be done.” ~ . Mr Nash said that unless it could be shown that there had been a blunder all the facts should be taken into account in reviewing the position. Criticism must be allowed, of course, but its effect must be weighed up. If criticism were shut off, i-b. e would be to allow muddle-headed things to continue; but if criticism tended to feed the enemy with any suggestion that New Zealand was a discontented country, critical of the Homeland, and tending to pull out or the war effort, then it was dangerous and should not be allowed. •‘lf criticism will help to win the war we should have it to the full, Mr Nash -said. “If it tends to retard our effort, then it should not be allowed. I hope that every voice in the Dominion will be raised every time it is necessary to the advantage of the New Zealand troops. I hope no one will ever be stifled from saying all he wants to, as long as the words he uses are helpful to our troops. There vn II never be any embargo from the Government benches in regard to that. “Would Go Again”

Mr Nash said he believed that Crete and Greece were essential campaigns from the point of view of the larger strategy involved. He- believed, too, that if the men themselves were asked to go in like circumstances as they went before they would go again, and would want to do so. Some of the men were so keen that they *were grumbling at not being allowed to take part in the earlier campaigns, and they were anxious to get into Greece, well knowing that the fight would be difficult. They put up a magnificent fight, and the action might have' been cessful had the Jugoslavs been able to hold. Had the Germans, been stopped irom reaching the Mediterranean no one would have said that the battle was not worth while. “The effort the men made has had a splendid result—not as good as it could have had—but it was justified, necessary, and worth while. I believe the officer in command and the officers and men under him would go again.’’ Mr Lee: The New , Zealand soldier will go anywhere he is asked. Mr Nash: All the more reason why he should be cared for. „ The Minister said that no Government could have given a subject more close attention and consideration. Everything was weighed as well as could be done in advance, and success might have shortened the war by more than a year. ■ A resolution expressing Parliaments admiration for the action fought by members of the 2nd New Zealand Expeditionary Force in Greece and Crete, ■and sympathy for bereaved relatives, was carried earlier. It was moved by the Acting-Prime Minister, who said he did not propose to speak to it, leaving the resolution itself to convey the message The resolution was as follows: “That the House of Representatives, in Parliament assembled, records its enduring admiration of .the courage, tenacity, and determination displayed by officers and men Of the New Zealand division. Maori and pakeha alike, in the fight for liberty on the battlefields of Greece and Crete, its confidence in the distinguished leadership of the general officer commanding the New Zealand forces, Major-General B. C. Freyberg, V.C., and its expression of sympathy for all those who now sorrow for the loss of our gallant soldiers.’’ • “I am proud to have the privilege of seconding the resolution, ’ said the Leader of the Opposition (Mr'S.-G. Holland). ~ Mr Speaker said he would see that a copy of the resolution was sent to General Freyberg.