WHAT MISSION?

Grey River Argus, 14 February 1940, Page 8

WHAT MISSION?

For Dominion Forces OFFENSIVE NOT INDICATED. (Received February 14, 12.5 a.m.) NEW YORK, February 13. The “New York Times,” in an editorial, says: “This new Odyssey ‘the landing of the Anzacs,’ stirs memories of valour that became a byword.’’ The paper goes on to discount the suggestions of a vast Allied offensive in the Near East. It says: “The Allied leaders have not indicated they are willing to enter on so dangerous a gamble, unless someone else attacks first. This expedition rather seems to be a variety of insurance as against a spread of the war. Without firing a shot, these forces can act as a terrible warning to Russia and Germany should either be tempted to strike in the Near East. The British have every right to be proud of this operation, which has beefi boldly conceived, skilfully planned, and efficiently concluded. But, above all, the British should be proud of the daughter nations of the Pacific, so distant from the war, but so well aware of all that it means!

for the continuance of their democratic way of life.” NEW YORK PRESS COMMENT NEW YORK, February 12. The evening papers devoted theii front pages to the arrival of the Anzacs, emphasising the line records of General Freyberg and LieutenantGeneral Blarney and their familiarity with fighting conditions in the East. LONDON PRESS COMMENT LONDON, February 12. “Three cheers for the Anzacs. The boys are on their way,” exults the “Daily Mail,” paying tribute to the immortality of the name unforgettable here or in Germany. It adds: They come to fight Hitlerism now, as they fought Kaiserism in the last war. Evening papers give prominence on their posters to the Australian and New Zealand troops’ arrival. The “Standard” says: The Australians’ Anzac Army is on the way. Britain has acknowledged New Zealand and Australia’s response to the war drums beating to quarters for the freedom of the world. “Anzacs” is a word rising bannerlike from every contents bill and from every leader, chronicling the arrival in Egypt.

“The Times” says: Not accidentally docs military history repeat itself, but because geography is a strategy foundation, the Suez Canal is still the halfway house for the New Zealand and Australian troops, and an admirable place for armies for the Near East reserve. More so because it is linked with a similar great French! force in Syria, and because Turkey has assumed her traditional friendship with Britain. The Dominion forces could not be better placed. Their arrival reinforces our cause morally and materially.

“The Times” recalls that Egypt was the training ground for the winners of undying renown .at Gallipoli and declares: These troops will live up to their predecessors’ great fighting reputation. Mr Savage and Mr Menzies have clearly defined the issues for which we are fighting. In all the Dominions, public opinion insisted that the great traditions built up at Gallipoli and Flanders must be maintained.

The “News-Chronicle” cites the arrival as the Dominions, answer to Germany’s false prophets, who foretold the Empire’s disintegration, “once more New Zealanders and Australians have taken up war stations, and now await their task, with Turkey no longer a foe, but a friend.” I