NOT HOLDING WAR

Grey River Argus, 6 April 1943, Page 5

NOT HOLDING WAR

IN THE PACIFIC Says Mr Nash RUDE SURPRISE FOR JAPAN COMING. MINISTER RETURNS FROM U.S.A. [Per Press ’Association] AUCKLAND, April 5. Hon, W. Nash, who was N.Z. Minister at Washington for some time past, returned to New Zealand today. “Merely to hold what we have in the Pacific, and to wage little more than a defensive war against Japan until Germany has been defeated, is not part of the strategy of the United. Nations,” said' Mr. Nash, on his return. He hinted that unpleasant surprises were in store for the Japanese. He said that he had seen for himself many links in a chain of island bases. Growing strength of the United Nations facing Japan was clearly not directed at defence alone. “To suggest that this should be just a holding war is wrong, and it is recognised a,s being wrong,” continued Mr. Nash. “I am satisfied that the Japanese will get a terrible shock when everything that is being built up is unleashed against them. There is no doubt whatever that • such a force is being built up.” It was a mistake, said Mr. Nash, to imagine that we were putting all our strength into the war in Europe, while leaving Japan until that, was concluded. At the same time, it would be dangerous to so divide our forces between the European and the Pacific fronts as to run, the risk of being ineffective in both theatres. In striking a proper balance, particular regard had to be given to our taking a full part with Russia in the struggle against Germany. Even so, there was no justification for believing that we would fight only a holding wax’ against Japan. Referring to the Pacific Wai’ Council, on which Mr. Nash represents New Zealand, he said that it had done a tremendously worthwhile job. It had been the means of keeping all of the nations in the Pacific completely in touch with the situation, and of giving them all an opportunity to state their cases very effectively China had been able to make herself heard. To suggest that China was short of equipment because her pleas were ignored, was unfair to other countries. The real problem was to get equipment to China. A Chinese representative with whom he had spoken had recognised the immense difficulties. It had to be done by air, and that involved far more than providing planes. When reminded of his advocacy of the formation of a Supreme War Council, Mr. Nash said that the situation had improved to some extent as far as the co-ordination of war and peace aims of the United Nations was concerned. There was still much room for closer consultation. M. Molotov’s visit to Washington, Mr. Churchill’s visit to Moscow, and the. conference at Casablanca, tb which M. Stalin had also beep invited, had been steps in the right direction. “There are now mutual understandings, and a decision as to where and when we are going to strike.” Mr. Nash added.