Greymouth Evening Star. THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1942. MR. CURTIN DOWNHEARTED?

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 June 1942, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. THURSDAY, JUNE 18, 1942. MR. CURTIN DOWNHEARTED?

AUSTRALIAN Federal Ministers’

speeches on the war situation appear Io lack consistency, being based on the news of the hour rather than on the long views desirable by those in high positions. A short time ago, Mr. Curtin was defying lhe -Japanese to invade “this fair land of ours,” but in his broadcast, last evening, he was more pessimistic. lie was open to the charge that he was making the worst of the outlook, in order to arouse more public enthusiasm for the second Liberty Loan, subscriptions for which close early next week, with about half the £35 millions requested, not yet to hand. No question arises that Mr. Curtin should keep the national mind impressed with the gravity of the Allies’ task, and should emphasise that the conduct of a war requires vast sums of money, hut alternate “hot and cold” comments from their leaders must confuse lhe Australian public.

The Japanese menace to the Commonwealth has not been removed, but it has been diminished by recent events. To declare otherwise, would not be much of a compliment to the U.S.A.-Australian commanders and forces who are responsible for lhe defence of the South West Pacific. Age-old experience has shown the futility of crying “wolf” without justification. It is reasonable to assume that Australia is now in a far stronger military position than she was a few months ago, whereas the Japanese are less powerfulMr. Curtin, himself, with pardonable gratification, has expressed delight in the. growth of Australia’s war effort, industrially as well as in actual fighting strength. Much remains Io be done, or to be maintained, but to-day s position in the Pacific areas is more heartening for the Allies.

Equilibrium is not equanimity, but each must be preserved during the war. lime and again has it been stressed by Mi. Churchill and other notables that reverses must be expected. When these come, it, is not necessary to stress the worst, in order to induce the public to give of their best. Some Ministers’ war addresses appear 1o be based on the principle that nothing succeeds like excess, a tinge of hysterics being in evidence. Corrections to public complacency, or excessive optimism, are desirable, but it would be wrong to shut eyes to enemy reverses and weaknesses, anil see only enemy successes. If the Allies have cause for regret because of happenings on the various fronts, the Axis have much greater cause for anxiety, hew would suspect this from the cabled summarv of Mr. Curtin’s latest broadcast.