GIFT AMBULANCES FROM AMERICA

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 228, 23 June 1941, Page 6

GIFT AMBULANCES FROM AMERICA

The brief ceremonial which attended the formal handing over in Wellington on Wednesday last of five army ambulance cars, a gift to New Zealand from the Anzac War Relief Fund in New York and the British-American Ambulance Corps, is a reminder of tne ripening fellowship of ideals and purposes animating the spirit of cooperation between the British and American As described by his Excellency the Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall, the gift represents another act of generosity from the great American nation which had helped the British Commonwealth so much, and in so many directions. These cars are the last of a contribution of twenty to this country, fifteen of which have already been received, and as stated by the Acting-Prime Minister, Mr. Nash, in the course of his acknowledgments, are by no means the only gifts that have come from our American friends. The sentiments engendered by these friendly and sympathetic acts are the best possible basis for the future ot our relationships. It is impossible to forecast what the world will be like when the war is over, but certain it is that a large and influential part of its remaking will be the responsibility of the two English-speaking nations, the American Republic and the British Commonwealth. Toward that end the creation of a spirit of the closest co-operation is essential, and should be'systematically fostered. .Especially to be commended in this connexion is the. British-American Co-operation Movement, of which there has been established a branch in New Zealand. That, its members are bending their energies to the task of working out a basis for future action is encouragingly evident, from a thoughtful article in the bulletin of the local section by the president, Colonel C. H. Weston, who emphasizes the need for crystallizing our ideas on the subject. The journal also criticizes the • temporary nature of the representation of this country at Washington, and stresses the importance of selecting “the best possible man” as New Zealand Minister without delay. “Representation in Washington,” it is emphasized, is a matter of vital importance to every farmer, manufacturer, importer, business man—in fact to every citizen of New Zealand and the man best qualified must be chosen.” It is to be hoped that the Government will mark the significance of this representation from a body so closely associated with the development of mutual good relations between the American people and. ourselves. It is quite time a decision ■was mad®.