CONSTANT PERIL

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20863, 15 August 1942, Page 3

CONSTANT PERIL

JAPS’ SOLOMON BASES U.S. FORCES SUCCESS WILL REDUCE THREAT (Special Australian Correspondent.) (10 a.m.) SYDNEY, Aug. 15. “If we can drive the Japanese back from the Solomons, Australia and New Zealand can breathe more easily. I cannot comment on the battle —I am not a member of the War Cabinet — but the implications are obvious.” Mr. J. G. Barclay, the New Zealand Minister of Marketing and Agriculture, said this to journalists. here yesterday shortly before leaving to inspect Australian munitions factories. The Japanese bases in the Solomons, Mr. Barclay added, were a constant menace to Fiji, New Zealand, and to Australia’s supply line with the United States. }. . “I believe that the threat of invasion has been more fully realised by the people of New Zealand than by those I have seen in Australia,” he said. “Our preparations are well forward to meet any emergency.” The general opinion in New Zealand was that Australia was in more imminent danger of invasion than New Zealand. If either country were invaded, there would be complete co-operation between their armed forces. “One of the happy consequences of the war has been the vital link forged between the Dominions,” said the Minister. ‘'Before the war there was a good deal of trade rivalry. That has all gone by the board. To-day New Zealand is only too willing to lend whatever aid we can to Australia, just as we know Australia is prepared to help us in every possible way. If Australia is invaded, there will be the fullest co-operation from New Zealand, both to assist your lighting 'forces and help to feed your people.”, Mr Barclay gave some details of New Zealand’s war effort, and said that though taxation was heavy the Dominion had been able to maintain and even extend its social services.