THE WAY TO AID RUSSIA

Grey River Argus, 17 September 1941, Page 5

THE WAY TO AID RUSSIA

Help N.Z. War Effort PRIME MINISTER’S STATEMENT. . , [Per Press Association] WELLINGTON, Sept. 15. “Those advocating or holding meetings in New Zealand proposing furtr er help for Russia are simply try’ng to force an already open door,” su’d the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser). Mr Fraser stated that everything possible was already being done, ana t'.e method and time of assisting Russia were military problems whicn must be decided as such. Mr Fraser said that the policy of Britain and the British Commonwealth was set out bv Mr Churchill in his memorable broadcast on the F >ndav when Russia was attacked. Before the broadcast he summed up Ue British Government’s attitude by saving to Mr Fraser that he was going to announce that those who were Rr Hitler were against Britain, and that those who were against Hitler were for Britain, regardless of their previous record or history, and that, having accepted that principle, it was the duty of Britain to give all possible assistance to Russia in the war against the Nazis, as to every other idly. “I am quite certain that the United States Government has taken the same attitude and is doing everything possible to help,” Mr Fraser added. ‘Neither the Government of the United States, nor of Britain, nor of any • British Dominion require any urging to help Russia or any other ally. Strategic and tactical considerations made it essential that Russia should be helped as an important part of the fight against Nazism. From my own personal knowledge, and from my association w’th the British War Cabinet, I can say that every conceivable practicable effort is being made to help the Russian people and the Russian armies; but I feel certain that no foolish, futile effort, that would only court disaster, in any particular sphere will be embarked upon.” Mr Fraser concluded by saying that in the Dominion the best way to help in the struggle against the Germans was first of all to assist New Zealand’s war effort to the utmost, and ihereby aid Britain, Russia and other Al'ied countries.

INVASION OF FRANCE?

“TIMES” SUGGESTION TO AID RUSSIA.

(Rec. 9.0) LONDON. Sept. 16 “The Times,” in a leading article, savs: “It is good news that R.A.F planes are already operating on the Russian front and also that the Moscow conference is being held without delay This conference, however, will be concerned with long term supplies. Is there nothing more that we can do meantime to meet the immediate danger? There is some evidence that Germany is sending to Russia her seasoned troops from occupied. countries, and replacing them with raw recruits and middle-aged reservists. Is if. beyond the bounds of possibility to check this movement of reinforcements?”

“The Times” military correspondent, says: “It is.now established that, approximately, twenty German divisions have been removed from France since the preparations for the campaign against Russia first began. It Ls estimated that about the same number of divisions still remain in occupied France.”