N.Z. AND THE WAR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21064, 8 April 1943, Page 3

N.Z. AND THE WAR

MR. JONES' REVIEW GROWING AIR POWER

PROSPECTS IN TUNISIA <By Telegraph—Press Assn.— Copyright.] (Special Correspondent.) I!) LONDON, Aphil 7. A forecast of the modernising of the Royal New Zealand Air Force in New Zealand, confidence that the Axis forces in Africa will soon be cleaned up, and a warning that Japan must be watched closely in the Pacific, were points made by the New Zealand Minister of Defence, the Hon. I*. Jones, at a press conference at the Savoy Hotel. He stated that he had not seen the New Zealand Division in the Middle East as they were engaged in operations, but he intended seeing them before he returns to New Zealand.

"The purpose of my visit,” he said, “is to see New Zealand troops as far as possible in any theatre of war where they are serving. In England 1 hope to see forestry, air, and naval units. I hope as soon as the time is convenient to return to the Middle East to see our division. 1 cannot go back to New Zealand without seeing them.” Commenting on the air position in New Zealand, he said: “We are looking forward to modernising the whole of our air force. The Americans have promised us a fairly good release of aircraft this year and as they come forward we will have no difficulty in manning them with New Zealand crews. They will be used lor [he defence of New Zealand and for operations. Up to date, New Zealand has sent 10,000 airmen overseas. We have over 20,000 men in New Zealand being trained for operational air crews, so that when we have modern aircraft they will be a welcome addition to the air forces fighting in the Solomons Islands.” Knocks for Japanese

Discussing the theory that the Germans should be beaten first, before attention was, turned to Japan, Mr. Jones said: “What if the Japanese proved superior in the Pacific area? I think we have got to take effective steps at the present time against the Japanese. There is no sign of the Japanese proving superior. In fact, the recent knocks they have received from the Australians in New Guinea and from the Americans in the Solomons have proved that the Allied troops are superior, but I would not say that everything is over at the present time or that we have got the best of them. We have no idea whether Japan has got fresh plans. Seemingly she is trying to consolidate as much as she can. She works from island to island, using in the main land-basecl aircraft.” Regarding Tunisia, Mr. Jones said the situation looked very promising and it should not be long before we cleaned up North Africa. The Americans had shipped great quantities of aircraft to the Middle East, but they were not neglecting their forces in the South Pacific. While going to America, Mr. Jones visited various Pacific bases and also Honolulu. He was surprised by the developments the Americans had carried out on coral island bases. “It is remarkable,” he said, “I could not conceive that so much could be done in so little time.” In Washington, thanks to Mr. W. Nash, he had made many valuable contacts, meeting Sir John Dill, General G. Marshall, and Admiral, E. J. King. “II was nice to hear the complimentary things they said regarding our forces.” he said. He paid a warm tribute to Mr. Nash’s work in Washington and said that general regret was expressed there among all sections when they heard that Mr. Nash was leaving to pay a visit to Now Zealand. New Zealand Elections Asked whether the New Zealand Division would return home after the Tunisian campaign, Mr. Jones said: “No decision has been taken. It is a matter for the New Zealand Parliament.” To a query as to whether the general election in New Zealand was the result of differences on the war effort, he said: “No. There are no differences of opinion. I think our people realise that we have to win this war and that if Britain fell our position would be untenable.” He added that he had no doubt that the Government would be returned with a bigger majority than ever. Mr. Jones particularly praised the work of the railway companies in Lebanon, Syria, and Palestine. Some units have now returned to Maadi, but he could not say where they will be given work next. Mr Jones said that more air strength was needed in the south Pacific before the Japanese could be got out. New Zealand’s air strength included Flying Fortresses, Hudsons, Kittykawks#and some Ansons. Asked whether New Zealand was satisfied with aircraft deliveries, lie replied that she would be satisfied if she received the aircraft promised this year. Earlier promises had not been kept because of unanticipated demands from other war fronts. “We still want more modern aircraft so that we can have a modern air force and be able to put up an effective fight,” he said.