SECOND FRONT

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23752, 25 September 1942, Page 5

SECOND FRONT

MR NASH REPLIES TO QUESTIONS NEED FOR ADEQUATE PREPARATION (Rec. 12.45 a.m.) NEW YORK, Sept. 23. The New Zealand Minister to the United States (Mr W. Nash) in addressing a C.1.0.- convention of shipbuilding workers, gave a comprehensive picture of New Zealand’s war effort. Mr Nash arrived amidst a heated debate on a resolution urging an immediate second front. Questioned subsequently, Mr Nash said a second front in Europe to relieve Russia at the earliest possible moment was necessary and desirable, but should hot be undertaken without adequate ■preparation and a reasonable hope of Mlfiess. He added that the Allies were |»lready fighting on four vital fronts, Brione of which could be let down. It ' would be disastrous if 500,000 men were driven out of Europe in another Dunkirk, which would prolong the war for 40 years. As for India, Mr Nash favoured the immediate granting of Dominion status, provided the Indian people would guarantee full support in the war against the Axis and permit the British and the Americans to direct military operations in the India area.

FRENCH URGED TO LEAVE_COAST NEW 8.8.C. APPEAL (Rec. 11 p.m.) LONDON. Sept. 23. The British Broadcasting Corporation has again urged French people to leave c ° a stal areas and avoid useless bloodshed m Allied military, naval, and air operations. The message adds: "A United Nations’ offensive is being prepared. This offensive will be launched on the day when we are assured of attaining our goal, which is nothing less than the total annihilation of Hitlerite Germany. When the moment comes to call for the co-operation of the French people as a whole we will keep our promise and let you know in time.”

BIG CONVOY REACHES RUSSIA SOME MERCHANTMEN LOST LONDON, Sept. 23, Another big convoy has reached Russia, according to a London announcement to-day. The .convoy was made up of British, Russian, and American ships and was the largest yet sent through the Arctic Circle. The great majority of the merchantmen got through and not a single escort vessel was lost. On its way the convoy was heavily attacked by enemy aircraft and Üboats, and during these attacks some of the merchantmen were lost. It is not possible at present to say any more about the losses, but it is possible to say that the German claims on this occasion are even more exaggerated than usual. The German radio has been broadcasting fantastic figures of alleged losses in the convoy. STALIN RECEIVES MR WILLKIE (Rec. 7 p.m.) MOSCOW, Sept. 23. M. Stalin received Mr Wendell Willkie. Mr Roosevelt's envoy, and talked with him for two hours. M. Molotov was present. . Mr Willkie, after an inspection of the Moscow defences, said they were the best he had seen in any big city. He was particularly impressed by the large number of uniformed women helping to work the anti-aircraft batteries. FINNS DENY SOVIET CLAIMS (Rec. 8 p.m.) WASHINGTON. Sept. 23 The Finnish Legation vigorously de - nied Russian claims that Finnish army units have been nelping the Germans in the battle of Stalingrad. "There might be some Finnish volunteers there.” tho Finnish Legation said.