LONG PACIFIC WAR

Grey River Argus, 26 March 1943, Page 5

LONG PACIFIC WAR

Present Indications CANBERRA, March 25. “There is nothing to suggest that the Pacific war will end soon. All indications are that the Pacific struggle will last longer than the struggle in Europe.” The Prime Minister, Mr. Curtin, making this statement, added that whether Australia liked it or not the fact was that her role was to help hold Japan for an indefinite period until Hitler- was beaten. . , , . The Prime Minister was replying to a question 1 in the House as to whether Mr,, Churchill’s recent broadcast references to the Pacific war warranted the Commonwealth Government to make a complete review of the war situation. “I do not regard the British Prime Minister’s statement as an indication of any change in the strategical problems of the Pacific,” answered Mr. Curtin. “This is not the first time we have been told that global strategy means defeat Hitler first. But we have to bear in mind that when the European .struggle is over the aid given to us Will be measured by the capacity , sent to it. Ships will be an important consideration then as they are now. The drain on our resources will be long. We must, therefore, practise the maximum economy in order to devote our utmost to war purposes. Although global policy is 'not comforting for such countries as China and Australia, we must play our part in the total strategy and fulfil the role which has been assign-. ed to us.” . 1