“Chicago Tribune” Takes Australians To Task

Northern Advocate, 8 March 1943, Page 2

“Chicago Tribune” Takes Australians To Task

NEW YORK, March 7

The “Chicago Tribune 1 ’ editorially comments: “No doubt Mr. Curtin's gratitude to General MacArthur is sincere, but the General would be pleased if the Australian Government rewarded him by lifting the restrictions on the use of Australian troops against Japan. “It has been suggested that the Australians adopted this policy because they wish to offend the Japanese as little as possible, but it is difficult to believe that Australians are so short sighted.

“It must be obvious that only a Japanese defeat can remove the threat against Australia. Australia would probably have already been overrun save for American planes, ships and men. Therefore America has the right to expect Australia to place the entire resources unreservedly at General MacArthur’s disposal. “The Bismarck victory has shown that America unlike Australia has no reason to fear an invasion. We are independent of other nations for means to destroy the enemy expedition before it nears our coast.

“Although we are secure we are sacrificing the lives of our young men to safeguard Australia. If we do not hesitate to send conscripts to defend Australia, the Australians ought to do as much to save themselves."