PACIFIC WAR COUNCIL

Greymouth Evening Star, 18 July 1942, Page 5

PACIFIC WAR COUNCIL

MR. NASH’S STATEMENT

WASHINGTON, July 16. Suggesting that the Germans had themselves been surprised that they have got so far in Egypt, Mr. ,W. Nash said to-day. “They may be just as surprised at what happens in the next week, or two.” Mr. Nash was acting as spokesman for the Pacific War Council, which had just made a ninety-minute survey of war problems. He explained that attention was largely focussed on the Mediterranean, where, he said, the situation obviously had improved. Nevertheless the troubles and the difficulties were still starkly real. Therefore it would be unwise to boast. But it could be said the fight in progress was reasonably even. So much time, he said, had been given to the Mediterranean because of its profound influence on the Pacific area. Asked whether this importance derived from the possibility of the Germans and the Japanese pressing for a juncture of their forces, through India, Mr. Nash replied: “That’s a dream!” Then he added his comment about the possibility of surprises for the Germans.

Mr. Nash introduced to President Roosevelt Commodore Parry, who is going homeward after his period of ommander of the New Zealand Navy, and Captain Geoffrey Cox, the Legation’s first secretary.