MR FRASER IN ENGLAND

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23362, 23 June 1941, Page 6

MR FRASER IN ENGLAND

THE CAMPAIGN IN

CRETE

“PROBLEMS WANTING EXPLANATION ”

(Received June 22, 9.0 p.m.) (U.P.A.) LONDON, June 21. The Prime Minister of New Zealand (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) arrived in England by air to-day. He has come at the request of the British Government to further the Imperial war effort and will take part in meetings or tne War Cabinet. , „„ Mr Fraser was met by the Secretary cf State for the Dominions (Lord Cranborne), who spoke of the immense value of the war effort being made by New Zealand. , Many New Zealanders and personal friends were on the platform at Waterloo station when Mr Fraser arrived m London. The Leader of the British Labour Party (Mr C. R. Attlee) met him at the station. Mr Fraser immediately went to the Ministry of Information where according to a well-establisneu custom for distinguished visitors, he attended a press conference attended by British, Allied and neutral correspondents. , , „ . , A large New Zealand flag was draped over the entrance to the Ministry and a Home Guard unit provided a guard of honour. Hundreds of typists leaned out of the surrounding tiers of windows to see and cheer the visitor. The Minister for Information (Mr A. Duff Cooper) introduced Mr Fraser at the conference. . . “There are problems arising from Crete wanting examination and explanation, not with recriminations, but for the purpose of facing up to questions like material weakness and seeing that they are avoided m the future,” said Mr Fraser at the confercnc£ ‘T have studied the British press discussions on Greece and Crete with the greatest interest. I reserve my own opinion until. I have met Mr Churchill and the Chief-of-Staff and so get a proper and accurate perspective of the situation. There were conditions in both Greece and Crete which will not be repeated. One irrefutable requirement is more and more aircraft to co-operate in the closest possible manner with the land forces.” Mr Fraser added that the New Zealanders evacuated from Crete retained their spirit. The soldiers had expressed the opinion that, given air support, one New Zealander was equal to two Germans. „ .. “Our boys are confident they could sweep away the Germans if given parity in the air. No flesh and blood could have withstood indefinitely the poundings the expeditionary force experienced from bombs.” Regarding Greece, Mr Fraser said there had never been a matter discussed more fully or in more detail between the Governments of the British Commonwealth than the question of the Imperial forces assisting the Gr66kSt “I am still convinced that it was the right thing to do. Our soldiers came back from Greece saying that too much had been asked of them but, that the job had to be done. If we had not gone to Greece, the Nazis could have claimed, somewhat justifiably, that we cheered on the Greeks from the sideline and then ran away when their hour of need came. If that cbUld have been said with any semblance .of truth, decent people would have turned their faces from us and the isolationists in America would have secured a crushing victory. 'H am anxious to get a* well-balanced and scientific analysis regarding Crete so that I can give, New Zealand the facts'about it. Everyone agrees that given parity in the air we can defeat the Germans on land. ‘T have now seen for the'first time evidence,of the/destruction the Nazis have .wrought in England. New/Zealanders wish to pay from their Hearts a very sincere tribute to the courage, determination, fortitude and sacrifice of all in the United .Kingdom. New Zealand is proud that she was actually the first to rangetfherself alongside, the Mother Country., That was done within a few minutes of receiving cabled news that Britain was at war. We have contributed, to the margin, of our capacity* in manpower and in everything, we have done, and if anyone can point out anything more we can do we shall just do it.” Referring to the reasons for conscription in New Zealand, Mr Fraser said the New Zealanders in Greece and Crete were entirely volunteers. A few enlisted under-the compulsory system were now in i Egypt and many more were following. He hoped that certain adjustments would be made in regard to shipping facilities to enable New Zealand to contribute even more food to Britain, i He explained that New Zealand’s development of the manufacture of muni, tions and'the rationing of petrol were necessary because dangers in the Pacific necessitated the maintenance of very large stocks. Mr Fraser said he found the general position in Egypt most satisfactory. Both, the Government and the people still felt that Britain’s cause y/as - theirs, especially after the air raids' on Alexandria. At least 80 per cent, to 90 per cent, of the people believed -and hoped that the democracies would triumph. .

Mr Fraser concluded by expressing the thanks of New Zealand to Admiral Sir-Andrew Cunningham, and his officers and men for their promptitude, bravery and efficiency in the evacuation of Greece and Crete. Thousands more New Zealanders -would now be prisoners of war but for the work of the Royal Navy.-

Replying to questions, Mr Fraser said he would have full and complete discussions with members of the British Cabinet, but he would be returning to New Zealand as soon as possible. -Mr Fraser will meet Mr Churchill during the week-end. Newspaper Comment

“The Times” in a leading - article states: “It is fitting that the arrival of the New Zealand Prime Minister should follow so closely,on Mr, Menzies’ departure. He, like his Australian colleague, is certain to be an invigorating influence on the War Cabinet and in the country. . He brings New Zealand’s assurance pf full cooperation in the common effort, Of all the British countries. New Zealand claims proudly that she has remained most British in spirit and sympathy. ' "Mr Fraser heads the Labour Government—he succeeded Mr Savage, “the most ‘popular’”—the paper prints the word in italics —“of all New Zealand Prime Ministers; as leader -of the- party and the Government, but so far as the war is concerned party labels become meaningless. Every New Zealander is determined to see the war through to a finish and is determined that nothing should be left undonp to further the great .pause which 'we are fighting.” “The ''Times’* pays a tribute to the part New Zealanders are playing and have:, played' in Libya, Greece, and Crete; also those serving in , the Royal Air Fofcie. It recalls the exploits of the Achilles and adds: "Mr Fraser has arrived at a time when Britain fully recognises the value of the Dominion’s sacrifices.”