Barclay Comments On Solomons Battle

Northern Advocate, 15 August 1942, Page 3

Barclay Comments On Solomons Battle

(Special)

SYDNEY, This Day.

“If we can drive the Japanese back from the Solomons, Australia and New Zealand can breathe more easily. 1 cannot comment on the battle —I am not a member of the War Cabinet—but the implications are obvious.

The New Zealand Minister for Marketing (Mr Barclay) said, this to journalists here today, shortly before leaving to inspect Australian munitions factories.

Japanese bases, in the Solomons, Mr Barclay added, were a constant menace to Fiji and New Zealand, and to Australia’s supply line with the United States.

“I believe that the threat of inva? sion has been more fully realised by the people of New Zealand than by those I have seen in Australia,” he said. “Our preparations are well forward to meet any emergency.” The general opinion in New Zealand was that Australia was in more imminent danger of invasion than New Zealand. If either country were invaded there would be complete cooperation between their armed forces. Mutual Assistance

“One of the happy consequences of the war has been the vital link forged between the Dominions,” said the Minister.

“Before the war there was a good deal of trade rivalry, That has all gone by "the board and today New Zealand is only too willing to lend whatever aid we can to Australia, just as we know Australia is prepared to help us in every possible way. If Australia is invaded there will be the fullest co-operation from New Zealand, both to assist your fighting forces and to help feed your people.” Mr Barclay gave some details of New Zealand’s war effort, and said (hat though taxation had been heavy, the Dominion had been able to maintain and even extend its social services.