Evening Post THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1943. DOING OUR UTMOSTTHE MEANS

Evening Post, Volume CXXXV, Issue 65, 18 March 1943, Page 4

Evening Post THURSDAY, MARCH 18, 1943. DOING OUR UTMOSTTHE MEANS

The debate on man-power policy in the House of Representatives yesterday served a useful purpose in that it revealed, for the first time so far as the public are concerned, and, apparently, also in the case of some members, the full extent of the commitments entered into by the Government. The tone which the debate took suggested that members have either been insufficiently informed of decisions made by the War Cabinet or they have failed to understand the full implications of the decisions. It is clear now, however, how far New Zealand is committed in the maintenance of forces overseas, although the necessary safety restrictions prevent the revelation of detailed figures to complete the picture in the public mind. We agree, and the great majority of the public will agree, that New Zealand's contribution to tbe war effort of the United Nations should be, as it is with Great Britain, the utmost that it is possible to make. It is limited only by resources. That being so, it becomes a question of considering how the resources can be used and of examining the urgency of possible alternatives. The maintenance of a division in the Middle East and of a combat force in the Pacific is going to impose a severe strain on the Dominion's man-power, and if it is to be done successfully readjustments of civil living standards will probably be inevitable and a limitation of the production contribution may also be entailed. The possibility of such readjustments cannot be divorced from a general consideration of New Zealand's war contribution, as set out by Mr. Coates and other Ministers.

The emphasis laid in the debate on New Zealand's role in the Pacifls was, we think, mistaken, since it tends to put the facts in incorrect perspective. Consideration of the localities in which Dominion forces should be engaged and to which supplies shall be sent is, of J course, important, especially from the point of view of transport and communications; but the global nature ctf the war cannot be overlooked. Mr. Goosman supplied the correction with an interjection when the Minister of Supply was raising the question whether the country would wvih that New Zealand should rely entirely on our allies to fight the war In the Pacific for us. The Pacific and North Africa, he said, are one battle. Prestige br locality in support of New Zealand troops being actively used in the Pacific theatres of war could, also be used as a reason for the return of the Middle East Division to this theatre—a course which no capable strategist would he likely to recommend. New Zealand certainly has obligations in the Pacific, alongside her allies, but she also has obligations elsewhere, and is filling them with distinction. This is in accord with our true obligation—to fighlt with all our resources, wherever and whenever [these resources can be most effectively applied. The Goyernm«nt having made jthe commitmehts it has> Parliament and the public -Will give their support and strain every effort to carry them out to the letter; but this must be done |in an orderly way, with anticipation of problems (such as a production decline), careful weighing of the relative value and urgency of services and preparation for difficulties. We must not stumble along, to confusion. For this reason an elaboration of some parts of the policy is desirable. There is, for instance, the part which an expanded air force is to play. Is this force to strengthen the country's defences or is it to be used to reinforce air striking power in the Pacific, or possibly further afield? And what effect will its role have upon other measures of domestic defence?

Having made its commitments, the Government will be expected to carry them out with the greatest degree of efficiency. There must, above all, be an avoidance of waste and extravagance in man-power. The strain which the commitments will involve makes it imperative that the fullest use should be made of all available resources in the Armed Forces as well as in industry. Any overhaul of the Armed Forces, to give effect to the policy to be followed, must be complete, including administrative as well as combatant branches of the Services. There must be no ground for suggesting that, while industry and production are short of men, there is an over-weighty civil side of the Armed Forces. If the Government is to get the maximum support of the public for the commitments it has made the cause for any such suggestion must be removed. The commitments outlined in Parliament yesterday are such that there can be no room for an unbalanced distribution of available resources, and an immediate and thorough survey of the position is called for. A programme which calls for the maximum effort, both militarily and in the field of production, leaves no margin for extravagance.