CHEERING SIGNS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 2, 4 January 1943, Page 5

CHEERING SIGNS

DETECTED IN PACIFIC

HALSEY'S FORECAST OF VICTORY

(By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright.) (Rec. 9 a.m.) WASHINGTON, January 3. The Associated Press says: "The rumblings of Chinese and Australian discontent with the 'Hitler first' strategy would fall ungraciously on American ears but for two circumstances: First, Admiral Halsey's forecast of victory in the Pacific in 1943; secondly, the blasting Christmas raid on Wake Island. "Admiral Halsey's words are important because- his' achievements balked the Japanese march of conquest towards Australia and probably paved the way for the vision of victory boldly conjured up in his New Year's greetings., The stunning smash at Wake Island means that perhaps soon the Stars and Stripes will rise again on Wake Island in another step towards Tokio. "The blunt truth about the Pacific is that the 'Hitler first' decision has been taken and implemented by tremendous action. There is no receding from that course now, even if the disappointment of our Pacific allies that an offensive against Japan is not yet in sight nags them into verbal protests or ungracious gestures." UNITED NATIONS COUNCIL. Suggesting the formation of a United Nations Grand Council, Mr. Wendell! Willkie, in a speech at a New York Victory Rally, said:-"We need a common council in which we can all plan together, not a council of a few who direct or merely aid others as they think wise. . ' ! "We must have a grand council on military strategy on which are represented all' the nations hearing the brunt of the fighting. We might learn something from the. Chinese, who, with so little, have fought so well, or from the Russians, who , have recently seemed to know something about the art of ■■■".yar. "Most important, all the United Nations must formulate now the principles which will govern their actions as they move step by step towards freeing the. conquered countries."