FOR GEN. MacARTHUR

Grey River Argus, 19 March 1942, Page 5

FOR GEN. MacARTHUR

Mr Curtin’s Disclosure

[Aust. & N.Z. Cable Asm.) (Rec 1130) CANBERRA, March 15. In announcing the appointment of General MacArthur as Supreme Commander in the Anzac Area, the Prime Minister, Mr J. Curtin said: “The Australian Government had made a special request for this brilliant officer.” Mi' Curtin also announced that, on the recommendation of the Australian Government, President Roosevelt had approved of the appointment of L ; eut.-General George Brett as Deputy to General MacArthur. The latter is now at the United States headquarters in Australia. Mr Curtin said that, in asking that General MacArthur should be made Supreme Commander, the Australian Government had cabled Mr Roosevelt as follows: “His heroic defence in the Philippine Islands has evoked the admiration of the world, and has been an example of that stubborn resistance with which the advance of the enemy should be opposed. The Australian Government feels that his leadership of thWAllied forces in this theatre will be an inspiration for the Australian people and for ail of the forces privileged to serve under his command.”

Will be’ Worthy of U.S. Aid

(Rec. 11.45.) CANBERRA, March 18. The Prime Minister, Mr J. Curtin, has made the following statement: “The Australian Government extends the warmest greetings to the American forces. This country entertains a feeling.of deep gratitude for the President and the people of America. We have to show ourselves worthy of their aid. We must strictly apply self-discipline. No individual can fail himself. If he does, he fails the nation.”