Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1940. A GOOD FIRST DAY.

Greymouth Evening Star, 13 June 1940, Page 6

Greymouth Evening Star. AND BRUNNERTON ADVOCATE THURSDAY, JUNE 13, 1940. A GOOD FIRST DAY.

*pHE report from Cairo that New Zealand, troops cheered hilariously when they learned of Italy’s entry into the war, was typical of the confidence felt throughout the Empire that this new attack can be successfully overcome. Certainly, the honours of the first day went to the Allies, whose airmen scored heavily in sundry enemy centres. The fact that Turin was bombed so quickly will make the Italian people realise- that the Axis Powers have no monopoly of aerial strength., and will lessen any enthusiasm for the unnecessary War thrust on the Italians by Mussolini. It is gratifying to learn that the South African Air Force was quickly into action, at a long distance from their bases, and successfully attacked. Mussolini has disturbed a hornets’ nest, and the stings are only beginning.

It was not, of course, a liking of war for war’s own sake, that caused the New Zealand troops to cheer at Cairo. Doubtless, the men are tired of the inactivity and long wait. Their training must be advanced, and they will be eager to get into it. What they will be asked to do, and when and where, must be left for time and the authorities to divulge. ’ There is no doubt that the New Zealanders will give of their best, and prove worthy of their highest traditions. Airmen from the Dominion have already demonstrated their worth, N.Z. sailors on the Achilles and other naval vessels have won general commendation, and the historic annals will derive fresh lustre from the achievements of the new Anzacs. It is fit and proper to take pride in New Zealand’s own

warriors, if for no better reason than that thoughts of what they are facing and offering, should inspire all those in the Dominion to give of their best for the cause of liberty and justice.

It is not only from the Allies’ own actions in the new war, that gratification may be derived. The world-wide rally to the Allies’ cause has been beyond expectations. With the possible exception of Brazil, the whole of the Americas have displayed prompt sympathy with the Anglo-French, the greatest surprise in this direction, perhaps, being the Mexican Ministerial statement. It is true that this support is but verbal meanwhile, but what is termed benevolent neutrality has its practical advantages to those it is given. Reports from the U.S.A, tell of the national desire to follow Mr. Roosevelt’s lead, > and despatch prompt supplies of planes and armaments to Britain and France. Red tape and other technical hindrances are being removed. This U.S.A, attitude must impress other neutrals, as well as the belligerents. The news from France is not so cheerful. Without accepting all the German claims, there is little doubt that enemy mass attacks have made important progress. The developments at Paris tell their own story. The Germans are paying a terrible price for their advance, but the French are still seriously outnumbered, and must be finding the ordeal of constant attack by well-equipped hosts, almost beyond endurance. It is difficult for Britain to send, immediately, all the aid required, though she Will be doing her utmost. The loss of the Channel ports is having serious effect where reinforcements for France are concerned. Another siege of Paris looks inevitable, but methods of warfare, now, are not on the comparatively passive lines of seventy years ago, when the Germans were last at the gates.