Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1942. AUSTRALIA’S STRENGTH.

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 June 1942, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. FRIDAY, JUNE 5, 1942. AUSTRALIA’S STRENGTH.

and New Zealand are in so close relation, especially during (be war. that anything occurring in or around the Commonwealth is of importance 1° the Dominion. The news that Japanese submarines are active in the Tasman Sea. and that, one ship has been sunk, with the loss of several lives, must impress New Zealanders, ami inspire them to maintain their own defence preparations to the full, cheerfully co-operating with the authorities. Depart nient aI. or E.P.S. To be prepared does not mean to be alarmed, or defeatist. The review, published yesterday, from an authoritative source, proved that the Dominions defence has been carefully planned.- and adequate force's are available to deal with would-be invaders, or raiders. The Defence Department is to be commended for.having thus taken the public into its confidence, as far as circumstances permit .

Not mud) detail is available yd o! the Japanese submarine attack in the Pasman. but it is known that two ships escaped of the three attacked. No surprise will be felt at this enemy enterprise; it is surprising that it has not developed before. Following the raid on Sydney liarbour, the -Japanese would appear to be recovering from the Coral Sea shock, and it may be that warfare in district seas will develop in intensity. The -Japanese are not having it all their own way. as apart from the losses al Sydney, they have had three large ships and many troops, sunk by an Allies' submarine. In the other end ol the Pacific, -Japanese raids have been made near Alaska, with others of a more serious nature, threatened io the Canadian-!'.S. A. coastal centres. The U.S.A. authorities may be confidently 101 l to deal with these attacks, all far from -Japanese bases. Meanwhile. it is re-assuring to find

;\lr. ('nrtin optimistic about Ih<* outlook in Hie Pacific, generally. Hitherto, he has not. been amongst the more cheerlnl prophets. his inside information influencing his comments, His speech, on the adjournine' of the 1 louse ol Representatives. yesierdto'. will be the mon* welcome because of his previous caution. He is confident of the ability of Australia to repel anv invasion attempt, and that the Allies increasing strength will enable an olleiisive to be launched in dur course. Mr. ('nrt in.-—like Or. Evalt, —is inclined to claim 100 much for his own endeavours, in connection with Allied strategy, but it must be agreed that he has done veil as leader, during a critical time, and has increased his country's security. Considering that he had no real majority in the Hon.se. and had to impose unwelcome restrictions on the public, and at the same time had lo keep in restraint llw extremists in his own Party, the Australian Prime Minister has cause lor gratification with the present situation. Hor a month or more, the federal Parliament will lie in recess, and this will give the hard-worked Ministers some respite, and more time to devote to war efforts.