SHOULD ATTACK

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20859, 11 August 1942, Page 3

SHOULD ATTACK

ALLIES IN PACIFIC MR, NASH’S" ANALYSIS SECOND-FRONT DEMAND (10.30 a.m.) LONDON, Aug. 10. The New Zealand Minister to the United States of America, Mr. W. Nash, on visiting his birthplace, Kidderminister, of which he is a freeman, made his first and probably the only public speech of his present visit to England. He declared tha.t the current demand for a second front was really a demand for a fifth front. In New Guinea, the Japanese were only 200 miles from Australia. If they directed against Australia the forces as strong as those which conquered Malaya and Burma, the position would be most difficult. “I think we ought to attack,” he said. “We cannot afford to let the Japanese consolidate the gains. “The next front comprised China, Burma and India. We ought to do everything to enable China to continue the fight against the Japanese. China says she wants help and also a second front in Burma to enable her to continue fighting. We want to be strong in India if we are going to prevent the Japanese from dominating India and China.” The next front was the Middle East where General Rommel was attempting to reach Suez. “We ought .to do everything to drive through from Alameim” he said. “Those are three fronts,” Mr. Nash added. “It is just physically impossible on the evidence of supplies—magnificent as they are—for all fronts to be so equipped that all can immediately start an offensive. Yet you cannot allow them to lie idle. “The demand for a second front in Europe is really a fifth front. Russia is being gradually overwhelmed Mi is putting up a magnificent fight. Remember she has saved us (loud, cheers). Ten Years’ Extension Continuing, Mr. Nash said he aid not know what would have happened if the Germans, instead of attacking the Russians, had turned against the Mediterranean and Suez. It might have extended the war 10 years if they had dene that. Referring to the second-front demand, he said: “Nobody will tell you where or when it will begin. It ought to take place if we are going to save Russia at the earliest possible moment. It will take place, but when I do not know. The shipping position was really bad. Our losses during the present year had been terrific,” said Mr. Nash. “They were slightly better now than a month ago and steps were being taken ultimately .to remove the U-boat menace. We are in a dangerous spot at present,” he said. “I think it will be more dangerous before this year is concluded, but I hope that next year we will be able to take the initiative in an offensive and, while it may take time, I believe we will win through.” Other points made by Mr. Nash included the following: “I have never known better .things said about New Zealand than by members of the War Cabinet I have met in England during the past fortnight. Their praise is real. It is a lie to say that Britain’s troops do the retreating and the Dominion troops do .the advancing. Two thirds of the forces fighting in Libya and Egypt since May have been sent from Britain. The fact is not known anywhere. It ought .to be better known. U.S. Pacific Fleet Restored “There are more planes in Hawaii to-day than before Pearl Harbour was bombed. The Americans have practically restored their fleet there. “Half Europe is starving to-day. China is more than starving.” Mr. Nash again stated his desire for a World War Council and a Reconstruction and Development Council. Mr. Nash said there way a certain section of the United States with a strain of world idealism higher than in any other part of .the world. “They feel they are in the war not .to restrict production after the war for the purpose of maintaining prices and letting the people starve and go hungry, but to procure the maximum production,” he said. Mr. Nash ended his speech with three affirmations. “I want to affirm and get all the people to affirm,” he said, “that first, that no soldier shall be worse off because he went away to fight for his country; secondly, nobody will be better off because he stayed behind; thirdly, nobody ought to use the war as an instrument for profit. I affirm that in the new world, which we can build if we will, that we can so order things that goods produced from the resources of .the earth shall be made available to everyone who, in turn, must be willing to give service within their capabilities.” Mr. Nash received a great ovation. He stayed in Birmingham during the week-end with his brother and sister.