SITUATION IN PACIFIC

Press, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23495, 25 November 1941, Page 8

SITUATION IN PACIFIC

SPEECHES AT STATE LUNCHEON MR DUFF COOPER ON THE WAR (P.A.) WELLINGTON. Nov. 24. "To-day in the Pacific we don’t want war," said the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) speaking at a State luncheon to the Rt. Hon. A. Duff Cooper. “We in New Zealand accept in its entirety the declaration of the Atlantic, which stands for freedom for all nations, and access to the raw materials of the world for all nations. Before that can be brought about, all nations must agree to play the game, and the game is the democratic game and no other. There must be a dignified and creditable understanding on the basis of freedom for all nations concerned. “We are living in serious times,” said Mr Fraser. “The presence here of Mr Duff Cooper, the presence of British forces in the Pacific, the tension at Washington to-day, and the speech by Mr Churchill at the Mansion House, London, the other day, are evidence of that. Mr Duff Ccoper comes here at a critical time, when the outcome n.ay be for good or evil, for peace or war in the Pacific. We profoundly, hope and pray that it will be for peace; but however the die is cast, one thing is certain—there will be no sacrifice of any nation, no* sacrifice of principle. Just as they do in Russia, we all believe that it is better to go down, if need be. in honour than live in dishonour and betray mankind. The goodwill, comradeship, and strength of the United Kingdom will be devoted to uplifting mankind; but,, it will be used in full force, to the last ounce of energy and the last drop of blood, in standing against embattled tyranny from whatever source it may come.” “Still Terrible Dangers” Mr Duff Cooper said ho hqd seen enough on his brief visit to satisfy him that New Zealanders were 100 per cent, in the war. The last year had been on the whole one cf victories, with the defeat of the German day air offensive, the failure of night raids to smash British morale, the wiping out of the Italian armies in Libya and Abyssinia, and the reduction of submarine sinkings. He would not say that the U-boat menace had passed away, but for this year it had been defeated. That was a tremendous victory, perhaps less spectacular but none the less more important than the sinking of the Bismarck. Whereas in summer' last year Britain stood alone, now three of the five great Powers, Britain, Russia, and the United States, were ranged on one side. Germany was against them, and the fifth was still wavering. The fifth was a Pacific Power, more closely concerned than any other, perhaps, with the future cf Australia and New Zealand. The Pacific was going to play a far more important part in future than in the past. He could see in the future the Pacific looming larger on the horizon, and hope that the small British nations of the Pacific would play a great part in that future. Mr Duff Cooper said he had spoken of the favourable elements in the situation. There were still terrible dangers. They had warded off defeat, but were a long way from sight of victory. There wag still in Europe the most efficient fighting machine the world had ever seen, and the strength of Germany had not diminished, but increased by the conquests made. No day should be wasted, no effort should be spared, that would make the end of their tribulations come nearer. AFTER THE WAR “STERN AND TERRIBLE TIME TO FACE” (P.A.) WELLINGTON, November 24. The Wellington Town Hall was crowded for the civic reception to the Rt. Hon. A. Duff Cooper and Lady Diana Duff Cooper, whose arrival at Rongotai from Christchurch by air was delayed until 11.35 a.m. The welcome of the citizens was unusually warm and applause punctuated the whole proceedings. Both the Mayor (Mr T. C. A. Hislop) and the Minister for Finance (the Hon. W. Nash) emphasised the outstanding contribution Mr Duff Cooper had made to Empire politics, particularly during the present war. Replying, Mr Duff Cooper said the welcome he had received in New Zealand had made him wonder whether he was not enjoying himself too much. There was no harm in pleasure on legitimate occasions, but, as had been suggested by Mr Nash, there were some people who did not realise the seriousness of the present struggle. He had met nobody in New Zealand who was not fully seized with the importance of the present situation facing the worlfl. It was clear that either Hitler and all who supported his cause must' be utterly swept away or else the British Empire, every part of it, and all it stood for, would become but a memory. Hitler’s aim was world conquest. Mr Duff Cooper referred to the dark days after the conquest of the Low Countries and the collapse of France, when Britain stood without allies except her Dominions. Referring to the closer co-operation which would be brofight about by his visit, he said: "We must not expect when the cease fire is sounded that we can all walk into a Utopia.” There would be a stern and terrible time to face when the war was over, and the nations of the British Commonwealth could take a sUp towards facing it by getting to know one another better, (because it would only be by some international effort that lasting peace could be secured. The British people had shown what could be done by co-operation, and, after thev had won the war the Empire would be more solid than ever, and more able to contribute to a finer and better world.