GOOD FRIENDSHIP

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 199, 20 May 1941, Page 8

GOOD FRIENDSHIP

British And American Peoples

MISUNDERSTANDINGS AT AN END

”We in the Navy do have opportunities of making contacts with people of other nations,” said Commodore AV. E. Parry, Chief of the Naval Staff in New Zealand, in a talk at the first monthly luncheon of the AVellingtou branch of the English-Speaking Union yesterday. “In England we are inclined to be a bit slow in moving; in addition to many tine traditions, we also have some very silly .'prejudices,” he said. “When we English meet Americans we find what large-hearted and generous people they are; in fact, just like ourselves.” Commodore Parry attributed much of the misunderstanding which had existed in the past between English and Americans to the silly, stories told in history books. For instance, there had been a good deal to say about that Boston tea party. England’s military campaign during the American AVar of independence had not been a particularly brilliant one, and in the .end the English were chucked out. This may have been because they bumped up against their own kith and kin, who could fight, too. As a matter of fact, England had learnt a good deal about naval tactics from America. On the other band, some American writers fanned the flames of ill-will against the English. He remembered having read a book by Owen AVester, in which the author made the English out to -be ogres over the events which led to the AVar of Independence. The writer apparently forgot that many English statesmen, including Pitt, at that time sympathized with the American colonists. Many Englishmen had always sympathized with the Americans, and Britain had always done her best to help America. He could not speak too highly of the prompt manner in which the American fleet had scrapped its own naval system and adopted Britain’s during the Great AVar. “They were grand fellows to work with during the -last war, and they are helping us all they can now.” In the past there had been bad blood between British and American sailors, but the best of feelings now prevailed. “Thank God, the old prejudices have died,” declared Commodore Parry. “The thing that did most to bring our two countries together was the visit the King and Queen of England paid to the United States shortly before the war.”

The officers of the British and American navies had always been on the very best of terms, and it had been a great pleasure to renew acquaintance with them when the American squadrou recently visited Auckland. That visit had been made at a most opportune time. They said they had come on a training cruise, but no doubt it was more than coincidence. “AVhfit the future holds no one can say,” he continued, “but If we find ourselves fighting another Power in these waters American co-operation will make all the difference. But the war is not going to be won in the Pacific. The eyes of America are fixed on Europe, and they realize the war will end there. AVe can be quite sure that they are not going to let us down. They have got their own point of view, and we have got ,to try to understand it.” The acting-president, Mr. J. T. Martin, presided. In moving a vote of thanks to Commodore Parry, Mr. Perry, M.L.C., said they could thank God for two such statesmen as President Roosevelt and Mr. Churchill. Occasion was taken to farewell-Mr. H. Miller, who is leaving on a visit to the United States of America. Mr. Miller said he would convey the goodwill of the AVellington English-Speaking Union to branches in America.