THRUST TO FIJI

Grey River Argus, 18 March 1942, Page 5

THRUST TO FIJI

NEW PACIFIC DANGERS

Prime Minister’s Review

MUST FACE THE FACTS!

P.A. WELLINGTON, Mara. 17. Stressing the fact that Parliament was meeting at tlje most critical time in the Dominion's history, the Prime Minister (Mr. Fraser/, in a statement on the war situation when the House resumed at 7.30 p.m., said that th R fate, not only of New Zealand or'the British Commonwealth or the United Nations, but or the world of mankind, was in the balance. Since the last adjournment, he said, there had been u rapid worsening of the Pacific situation and it was th e duty of both Government and people to face the facts and piepare for all eventualities. Mr. Fraser referred to the Russian counter-offensive and the indomitable spirit of the Russians, and also to the constancy and fortitude of tb p British people in pursuing their role as the central l figure in the war against Germany. To win th e war, Mr. Fraser continued, tne Allied people required not merely suppl.es and manpower, but th e possession of moral qualities such as tins.

Undoubtedly these were dark days, he said, but he was confident that we and other British peoples would before long pass to much brighter days. Until’ these came, the Allied people would have to adopt a stoical attitude, and stand up against whatever might come, determined at all costs to stick it out, and develop, above all else, an indomitable fighting spirit. Speaking of the Japanese successes Mr. Eraser said that Japan undoubtedly had gained great prizes. She was also enabled to release large bodies of her men for adventures further afield. The Prime Minister enumerated them as follows: To the south and south-east, to Australia and New Zealand; to the west, through Burma to Indi.-t, thereby cutting off supplies to China; and to the north, against the Russians in Eastern Siberia;

She might do one or all of these things, and it was clear that, with the rapid deterioration that had taken place, the danger of a thrust to Fiji and to New Zealand had greatly increased. This xactor was of vital importance to the Allied cause, because of the vital communication lines affected.

There was an urgent need for a change to offensive strategy, said Mr. Fraser, but the initiative was still with the enemy, who had complete command of the sea in the Western Pacific, and ail - and numerical superiority in the existing theatres of operation. To wrest that initiative from him and begin an offensive action required a gigantic effort on the part of the Allies and comprehensive organisation in building up forces and in the preparation .of plans Mr. Fraser said it was not possible in a public review to give an v hint of the strategic plan to which th e Allied Nations were working.. Everything we possessed, he declared, must be devoted to the task of hurling back the invader, and overthrowing oui' enemies

The House went into secret session, which continued for the remainder of the evening.