ADMIRAL FRASER

Grey River Argus, 8 February 1945, Page 3

ADMIRAL FRASER

WELLINGTON RECEPTION FLEETS’ LATE ARRIVAL EXPLAINED P.A. WELLINGTON, Feb. 7 Admiral Sir Bruce Fraser bad a rousing reception here to-day. The Mayor of Wellington, Mr. W. Appleton, expressed the pride of Welling-’ tonians in welcoming an outstanding figure of the Navy, and wished Admral Fraser the best of luck, expressing the hope that lie would be able to revisit Wellington. Hon. W. Nash, who joined in the welcome on behalf of the Government, said the British Fleet, would co-operate with the United States forces in the defeat, of Japan. Tney had all been thrilled at the success of the Russians, but for all their courage and bravery, the Russians could not have done what they had done had it not been for the work of Admiral Fraser and others who had known the anguish and hardships of those Murmansk convoys. “We have to thank God for the British Navy, which I hope will be a protection for freedom loving people in the future,” said Mr. Nash. Admiral Fraser, replying, said that to move a big fleet from one end of the world to the other was no easy matter. He commented on the late arrival of British warships in (lie Pacific. He said that, though Britain always had some ships to spare, at one time it was difficult to get a I co-ordinated force. Destroyers had j to be m home waters fighting sub-1 marines, and they were a most important part of any battle fleet. It, was that and other things, that prevented Britain from taking part >n the Pacific war to the fullest extent at an earlier date. As an island Dominion, it was important for New Zealand, just, as it was tor Britain, to have control of the sea. If Britain had lost her colonies early in the war, she would have lost the war. 1 hope that in future when you m New Zealand you see results of battles, you will think of us just as we will be thinking of you,” he said. \\ e have come out here at the first possible moment and now we expect to gee on with the job and take part alongside our United States Allies in finishing this was as soon as we can. The British Fleet of the East- Indies station had already taken part m the Pacific war. The attack on Palembang was a difficult operation. Aircraft from the carriers had to Uy a long way and through heavy bat-. Telles. r Die oporHtion wcis VvCli'CiOiic and he felt proud of the Navy’s success.

STATE LUNCHEON WELLINGTCN, Feb. 7. An enthusiastic reception was accorded Admiral Fraser al. a Stine luncheon given in his honour at Parliament. House t'o-day. At the conclusion of his reply lo a speech ol: .welcome by the Prime Minister, who presided, cheers were given for the Admiral and the British Pacific Fleet. The function was attended by Ministers of the Crown, members of the Blouse of Representatives and Legislative Council, High Coniinissioners, representatives of tiio United Natrons and representative citizens. Mr Peter Fraser said the visit of Admiral Fraser would bring' home to the people of New Zealand a sense of the great, responsibility that, still rested upon' them, and they would back up. their welcome with an increased effort, till victory was won. Admiral Fraser said that he had already spoken so much since he arrived in New Zealand, that it was difficult for him to say much more. What he and the men with him appreciated was the real sincerity and overwhelming nature of the welcome. It had been really remarkable. The British Pacific Fleet would be greatly honoured to know of the very re-' presentative nature of the gathering that day. He added that whatever political!' views one might have, he always felt I that the man who had the burden of! leading a country in Hie time of war deserved every sympathy. lie fell proud at. the presence of representatives ot _the United Nations. Ships of theirs had been under his com-

mand ar one time or another. Referring to recent attacks by British aircraft carriers on Japanese oil supplies In Sumatra, Admiral Frasersaid, it was a very difficult operation, and the aircraft had to fly many hundreds of miles. He thought it was one of the first occasions that four carriers had worked together. The war had been such that they had had to operate singly, or two together. Four operating together was not an easy task. What it meant to island nations to have control o£ the sea, was referred to by the Admiral, who said that had been proved by results. “We nearly lost command of Ihe sea, and the war in 1940, but we just managed to struggle through. It. docs not matter what army or air force you have, if you lose control of the sea, vou lose the war.” The Admiral said that the reason Japan was being forced back was because site had lost command of the sea. Admiral Fraser said, he was often asked to prophesy tiio end of the war, but lie always replied: “You tell me how hard you are going to work. The more we can both, you and I, double our effort, (lie shorter the war will bo.”.He added: “That was only common sense.” Admiral Fraser met the War Cabinet this afternoon. The Prime Minister stated subsequently that various matters in connection with the war in the Pacific, and the British Fleet had been discussed. ’