NAZI PUSH SOUTH

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20571, 3 June 1941, Page 5

NAZI PUSH SOUTH

RESISTANCE IN CRETE DEFENCES STRENGTHENED (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. June 3, 10 a.m.) MELBOURNE, June 3. The Australian Prime Minister, Mr. R. G. Menzies, said yesterday: “Our defeat in Crete is undoubtedly a serious blow, though once again the proportion of men got off was higher than might have been expected. “It is within my knowledge that every conceivable step for a long time past has been taken by the Home authorities to reinforce the Middle East with men, weapons, tanks and aircraft. In making such reinforcement great risks on occasions have been accepted by the naval forces. Every week has strengthened our capacity to defend the vital zone oi Egypt and Suez. From this viewpoint, the holding up of the enemy in Crete and the heavy losses inflicted on them have been of great value. By upsetting the German time-table, it has enabled the British forces to clear up the situation in Iraq.

“The great disability in Crete was the shortage and then the absence oi suitable air bases. In future we will not suffer such a disability, but will meet the enemy with growing forces of aircraft and bases in. areas under our own control. While the peril is admitted, there is no reason for pessimism. All the time I sat on the War Cabinet in London I found the utmost readiness to accept risks and send every possible tank, gun, and aeroplane to the Middle East. Every armoured unit there and every aeroplane comes from Britain, and also practically the whole of the artillery.”