PROBLEM OF CRETE AND GREECE

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 228, 23 June 1941, Page 8

PROBLEM OF CRETE AND GREECE

Mr. Fraser’s -Attitude NEED FOR GREATER AIR SUPPORT (Received June 22, 8.5 p.m.) LONDON, June 22. The Minister of Information, Mr. Duff Cooper, introduced Mr. Fraser at his Press conference. “There are problems arising from Crete wanting an examination and explanation, not with recrimination but for the purpose of facing up to questions like material weakness and seeing that they are avoided in future,” said Mr. Fraser. “I 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 both in Greece and Crete which will, not be repeated. One irrefutable requirement is more and more aircraft to cooperate in the closest possible manner with land forces.”

Mr. Fraser added that the New Zealanders evacuated from Crete retained a spirit which was unquestionable. Soldiers 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 iu the air,” he said. “No flesh and blood could have withstood indefinitely the-poundings the expeditionary force experienced from bombs.” Discussions on Greece.

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 our forces assisting the Greeks. “I am still convinced it was the right thing to do,” he said. "Our soldiers came back from Greece saying 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 could have been said with a semblance of truth decent people would have turned their faces from us and the isolationists in America would have secured a crushing victory. lam anxious to get a well-balanced, 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. "I now have seen for the first time evidence of the destruction the Nazis have wrought in England. New Zealanders wish to pay from their hearts the most sincere tribute to the courage, determination, fortitude and sacrifice of all in the United Kingdom. New Zealand is proud that she was actually first to range herself alongside the Mother Country. That was done withiij a few minutes of receiving cabled news that Britain was at war. We have contributed to the margin 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 conscription in New Zealand, Mr. Fraser said the New Zealanders in Greece and Crete were entirely volunteers. Few enlisted under the compulsory system were now in Egypt, although many more were following. Shipping Facilities. The Prime Minister expressed the hope that certain adjustments would Im? made in regard to shipping facilities to enable New Zealand to contribute even more food to Britain. He explained New Zealand's development of the manufacture of munitions and said rationing of petrol was necessary because dangers in the Pacific necessitated the maintenance of very large stocks. Mr. Fraser said lie found the general position in Egypt most satisfactory. Botli the Government and the people .still felt that our cause was theirs, specially after the air raids on Alexandria. At least 80 to 1)0 per cent, of the people believed and hoped Unit the democracies would triumph. Mr. Fraser concluded by expressing the thanks of New Zealand to Admiral Cunningham and his officers and men for their promptitude, bravery and efficiency in rli ■ evacuation of Greece and Crete. Thousands more New Zealanders would now be prisoners of war bill for the work of I he Royal Navy.

Replying to questions he said he would have full and complete discussions with the members of the British Cabinet, but was returning to New Zealand as soon as possible. Mr. Fraser is meeting Mr. Churchill during the weekend.

Rille Shooting Trophy. South Africa won the King George V trophy for miniature rille shooting. Britain and Canada did not qualify. New Zealand and Australia did not put in returns.