GAIN FOR ANTIPODES

Evening Post, Volume CXXXIV, Issue 40, 15 August 1942, Page 5

GAIN FOR ANTIPODES

SUCCESS IN SOLOMONS (By Teleoraph—Press Association—Copyright./ (Special Australian Correspondent.) SYDNEY, i August 14. ''If we can drive the Japanese back from the Solomons Australia and New Zealand can breathe more easily. I cannot comment on the battle—l am not a member of the War Cabinet—but the implications are obvious." Mr. J. G. Barclay, New Zealand Minister of Agriculture, said this to journalists here today, shortly before leaving to inspect Australian munitions factories. Japanese' bases In the •Solomons, Mr. Barclay added, Y-^re a constant menace to Fiji and New Zealand and to Australia's supply line with the United States. "I believe that the threat of invasion jhas been more fully realised by the people of New Zealand than by those I have seen in Australia," he said. "Our preparations are well forward to meet any emergency." DANGER FOR AUSTRALIA. The general opinion in New Zealand was that Australia was in more imminent danger of invasion than New Zealand. If either country were invaded there would be complete- cO-op2ration between their armed forces. "One of the happy consequences of the war has been the vital link forged between the Dominions," said the Minister. "Before the war there was a good deal of trade rivalry. That has all gone by the board. "Today New Zealand is willing to lend whatever aid it can to Australia, just as we know Australia is prepared to help us in every possible way. "If Australia is invaded there will be the fullest co-operation from New Zealand both to assist your fighting forces and to help feed your people." Mr. Barclay gave some details of New Zealand's war effort. He said that though taxation was heavy the Dominion had been able to maintain, even extend, its sofcial services.