WAR AGAINST JAPAN

Evening Star, Issue 25170, 9 May 1944, Page 4

WAR AGAINST JAPAN

AUSTRALIA'S VIEW ACCEPTED RUGBY, May 7. The Prime Ministers' Conference completely accepted the Australian view of the importance of a combined Allied military effort against Japan, said the Australian Prime Minister, Mr ,J. Ourtin, broadcasting from London. The Australian Government, while accepting the strategy of "ibeat Hitler

first," pointed out that, because that would mean a prolonged war in the Pacific, it was essential that a certain minimum effort should be maintained in the Pacific, so that it would not become a stalemate. General Sir Thomas Blarney and Australian naval and air representatives would discuss with the British chiefs of staff the technical aspects of the case with the object of devising satisfactory procedure for further consideration by the Australian and British Governments. Pointing out that the Australians had stood against the aggressor, Mr Curtin said: "" What we did we did for the British way of life. We did it, too, for the United Nations. We did it for civilisation itself against a barbaric, ruthless, fanatical enemy. No country, not even this gallant little greater danger with less resources than did Australia." r The threat to Australia had been removed by the gallantry of the Australian and American forces, the skill of their commanders, the aid given by the United States, and the splendid effort of the Australian people themselves. Mr Curtin, after dealing with the wav in which Australia was working to 'supply the forces in the Pacific, as well as "iu Britain, said: "The war against Japan involves more than Australia. The interests at stake concern the whole of the British Commonwealth and the whole of the democratic nations throughout the world."