BRITISH ENVOY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20620, 22 November 1941, Page 4

BRITISH ENVOY

DOMINION VISIT MR. DUFF COOPER FAR EAST DEFENCES (Per Press Association.) AUCKLAND, this day. To confer with the Government in the course of his mission to the Far East on behalf of the British War Cabinet, the British statesman, Mr. Alfred Duff Cooper, Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster, arrived in Auckland this afternoon. He .was accompanied by his wife, Lady Diana Duff Cooper, and a member of his staff, Lieutenant-Colonel L. B. Robertson.

Mr. Duff Cooper said it had been suggested that an institution might be set up in the Far East where there were a great many sources of authority, similar to the work undertaken by Captain Oliver Lyttelton in the Middle East. Unlike Captain Lyttelton, he had not been sent to undertake certain work, but merely to report on what changes seemed desirable. It was not yet settled whether the organisation such as had been suggested should be set up, but in

view of the rapidity with which events were moving he had sent a member of his staff to Britain with a preliminary report, and had stated that he could give further views after visiting Australia and New Zealand. The report should have reached Britain within the last few days. He certainly thought that improvements were necessary and was hopeful that something would be done to expedite the alterations.

Asked whether he thought Australia and New Zealand should be represented on any body which would be set up, Mr. Duff Coper said that depended on the type of organisation. The two Dominions were certainly closely concerned. Strength of Malaya

Discussing various aspects on defence in the Far East, Mr. Duff Cooper said that Malaya’s preparations had been very much improved even in the short period he had been there. Britain was now very , strong in Malaya. Although he had not seen a great deal of the Netherlands East Indies’ defences, he had learned something of the improvement that had been made in the past year. The Dutch were working in the closest co-operation with the British, and naval and air collaboration with them was complete.

Referring to co-operation with the United States, Mr. Duff Cooper said the Americans were interested in the Burma Road on account of the large amount of the Lend-or-Lease Act material being sent by that route. There was a great deal of delay on the Burma Road on account of the number of authorities in charge. Steps were being taken to remedy the position. Although much material was being sent over the route, a good deal was awaiting transit, but an improvement in organisation should help to remedy this position. He had spoken to the British Minister at Bangkok, Sir Josiah Crosby, who thought Thailand would fight if attacked, and that the Thais would give a good account of themselves. Impressed by Australia

He was very much impressed with Australia’s war effort. It was making remarkable strides in. the production of munitions, aircraft and ships, and was making things that had not been attempted before the war. Asked his views as to the merits of volunteering and conscription for overseas service, he said he was very glad to learn that New Zealand had introduced conscription. It was a splendid effort on the part of the country furthest away from the heart of the conflict.

'The visitors were welcomed by Captain E. Rotherham, representing the Governor-General, Sir Cyril Newall, the Prime Minister, the Rt. Hon, P. Fraser and Mrs. Fraser, the Minister of National Services, the Hon. R. Semple, the Native Minister, the Hon. P. Paikea, the High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, Sir Harry Batterbee, the Mayor, Mr. J. A. C. Allum and Mrs. Allum. The visitors will leave this morning by air for Christchurch. They will travel to Wellington on Monday morning and the following morning will leave by air for Rotorua and Auckland, arriving here the same night. From New Zealand, Mr. Duff Cooper will return to Singapore.