TO JAPAN

Grey River Argus, 19 March 1941, Page 5

TO JAPAN

U.S.A. NAVAL STRENGTH Squadron’s Visit to N.Z. [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.l (Received March 18. Midnight) LONDON, March 17. A New York message says: British diplomatic circles in Washington regard the visit of the American warships to New Zealand as a demonstration of co-operation between Britain and America in the Far East Their opinion is that the vis»t has been undertaken to show that any threat to the British territory in the Pacific is of vital concern to the United States, and also that American ships could patrol seas far from their Hawaiian base.

U.S.A. Fleet Strongest IN THE PACIFIC (Received March 18, Midnight) NEW YORK. March 17. A blunt warning of America’s strength in the Pacific was issued in Baltimore to-day, when the Secretary for the Navy, Colonel F. Knox, declared 1 : “I am sure that the United States has the most powerful and the hardest-hitting fleet afloat in the Pacific. It is ready for any eventuality. There is no cause for alarm about what it would be able to do in the event of war.’’

AUCKLAND’S WELCOME

To the American Sailors AUCKLAND, March 18. With showers of confetti and streamers spanning the streets, and enthusiastic hand-clapping and cheering, many thousands of Aucklanders to-day expressed gratitude for the United States’ help in the war against aggression, when 250 sailors, representing the six American warships in port, marched up Queen Street to the Town Hall, where they were accorded a most enthusiastic outdoor civic reception, in the presence of a dense mass of citizens. Tall and well-proportioned, the sailors created a fine impression by their general bearing and efficient marching. The parade was commanded by Lieutenant Firth, of the cruiser Brooklyn. The warmth of the reception was obviously appreciated by the guests of honour, but, true to the tradition of the sea, they revealed their feelings only by their smiling countenances. The most piquant scene of the memorable civic reception was when Captain S'tone was cheered to the echo by a large crowd in front of the Town Hall, as he stood to respond to the greetings extended by the Mayor, Sir E. Davis, the Minister of Defence (Mr. Jones). Commodore Parry, and others. Captain Stone stood ’erect, an impressive figure in naval uniform, bearing about the shoulders a kiwi mat, and in his hands, the patu and taiaha of a chieftain, presented to him by Mrs. Mitchell on behalf of the Maori people. With a courtly gesture, Captain Stone bent forward and kissed Mrs. Mitchell’s hand. Addressing the citizens, Captain Stone expressed the thanks of the officers and men, and on behalf of the American people, extended their thanks for the manner in which Auckland had entertained and cared for the American women evacuees from China, when they called recently. That had made a profound impression in the States. Captain Stone referred to the previous naval visits on missions of goodwill. Speaking of the visit of the Great White Fleet in 1908, he said that was a very far seeing gesture by the then President, Theodore Roosevelt, in establishing friendship with the British Dominions In the Southern Pacific. “My memory is not very good,” he said, with a smile, “hut if I remember rightly, that also was a training cruise.” EXCURSIONS FOR CREWS. The early promise of fine weather was not fulfilled to-day, but showers did little to spoil the success or the excursions to various points of interest in the city and suburbs, arranged for 250 officers and men from the American navai squadron. Conveyed in eight motor-buses, tins party left the ships at 9.30 a.m., ana is due to return at 4 p.m. The places visited includes Achilles Poinr the Museum, the Ellerslie Racecourse, where the party lunched, and the Papakura mobilisation camp. A similar excursion has been arranged for to-morrow. I At Irish Concert CROWD’S ENTHUSIASM. AUCKLAND, March 18. The first public appearance of Captain Ellis S'. Stone, Officer Commanding the visiting United States Naval Squadron, was made last night, in the Town Hall, a few hours after the arrival of the cruisers and destroyers, when with a party of his officers he was led into the Town Hall by the Mayor, Sir E. Davis, and Bishop Liston, during St. Patrick's Night concert. The great organ burst into “The Star Spangled Banner,” and more than 3,000 people rose to cheer the visitors. Rev. Dr. Terry, in a short speech, welcomed Captain Stone and his party. “No more welcome visitors have ever come among us,” he said,in calling for cheers, which were given thunderously, with a spontaneity remarkable for New Zealanders. Captain Stone acknowledged the welcome, remarking that the serried ranks of bonny children on the platform made a refreshing and charming sight for a sailor home from the sea. He said his officers and men were delighted to be in New Zealand. The naval officers were . obviously charmed with the singing .of the massed choir of children, applauding the anthem, “Hail, Glorious St. Patrick.” There was a mighty outburst of cheering as the visitors left the

hall to the strains of “The Star Spangled Banner.” American naval ratings and marines were besieged by members of the audience to autograph concert programmes. This typified the manner in which Auckland has taken the American naval men. to its heart. Queen Street, last night, was full of gay parties of sailors and marines, fraternising freety with New Zealand soldiers, sailors, airmen and citizens. Everywhere, Uncle Sam’s men were arm-in-arm with young women, thronging to dance halls. Traditionally open-hearted, the Americans delighted the children in Queen Street, by giving atsay packets of “candy” and ice cream, after prodigal spending tn sweet shops

U.S.A. WAR AID

Thanks of New Zealand PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT. [Per Press Association] WELLINGTON, March 18. In ths House of Representatives this afternoon a brief statement, expressing the Dominion’s gratitude to the United Slates for her support of the British Commonwealth in the conduct of the war, was made by the Minister of Finance, Hon. W. Nash, on behalf of the Hon. P. Fraser, who was on his way to Auckland this afternoon to meet the visiting American naval squadron. Mr Nash stated that he had been asked to make the following statement on Mr Fraser’s behalf: — “It would be fitting if I took this opportunity of expressing, on behalf of the members of this House, and on behalf of the people of New Zealand, our deepest appreciation of the action of the Government of the United States in passing the Lease and Lend Act. We of th e British Commonwealth are profoundly grateful to President Roosevelt and the people of the United States, whose determination to make their 1 country a great arsenal of democracy was reaffirmed last Sunday in the President’s inspiring address. Our friends, as well as our foes, cannot fail to see that this generous promise of vast and continuing material aid is the turning point in the war. The supporters of democracy throughout the world will rejoice that those who are resisting aggression are to receive the active, and resolute support of th e greatest industrial power on earth. Those who have been overwhelmed willtake fresh heart, knowing that the day of deliverance is brought nearer. Those who are fighting will be strengthened in th’eir resolvfe to throw into th e struggle every ounce of their energy, knowing, as they now do, that, with the great and powerful United States standing behind their effort, their vitcory is assured. Once again, the American people have resolved that freedom and democracy shall, not perish from the earth.” The statement was received with app'lause. The House adjourned at 2.40 p.m. until 7.30 p.m.