FAMOUS EXPLORER

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 11 August 1942, Page 4

FAMOUS EXPLORER

SECRET MISSION IN N.Z \DMIRAL BYRD S RECENT VISIT Wellington, Tin.' D;« ' It ha: :.T.' Imf -,b,V to state : that Rear Admiral Richard E. Byid. U.S.N., the world s most famous living explorer, recently spent some time in New Zealand while on a secret navv mission. A Press Association corn* - pondent at the South Pacific area headquarters, where Admiral Byrd was frequently in conference v.ith Vice Ad mtral Robert L. Ghormley, U.jj.N.. com manding the area, says the release of the information was necessarily delayed for jecurity reasons. Admiral Byrd is no stranger to New Zealand He has vnited the country a number of times, the last occasion being shortly after the outbreak of war, and has taken three polar expeditions away from New Zealand porta He wears the highest decoration his country can bestow, the Congressional Medal of Honour. li<' is the most deco rated citizen of the United States, and i the awards and medals he has received j occupy six rows of ribbon on his uniform jacket. Every one of his medals,” ! said an American officer, "is on the level. None has been awarded to Dick for attending an ambassador's tea party.” On his arrival in New Zealand Admiral Byrd took three rows of ribbons off his jacket. He felt they made him too conspicuous. At a Press conference shortly before he left headquarters. Admiral Byrd said he had been on aviation duty for three years. "I cut short my exploring, of course,” he said, “and it goes without saying that I will not do any more till the war is over.” During his New Zealand visit. Admiral Byrd maintained the tradition which Admiral Ghormley and his staff have c? tion of the South Pacific area command. He worked hard, often long into the night, and is credited by the com mand with having done an excellent job. He also followed Admiral Ghormley s example in enjoining secrecy. "It »* the duty of everybody to refrain from discussing military information ” Of New Zealand's war effort he said "Having regard for the Dominion’* facilities, you have done very splendidly. "The importance that my country at taches to co-operation with New Zea land." said Admiral Byrd, "is evidenced by the fact that it has sent here an officer of the very highest calibre. Vice Admiral Ghormiev, and one of our ablest citizens. Brigadier General Hurj ley. who has held some of the highest responsibilities it is within the power of my country to bestow. "There is one warning I want to give. We must not be too optimistic and lay on our oars too much because of the Coral Sea and Midway battles The people of the United Nations must realise their danger and put forth a superhuman effort to lick the enemy This is everybody's war. Every citizen can do his part and should leel proud to do it. At the moment there is a lull. We should not feel comfortable because of it, but should use every moment of it to improve our position*. "I have shoved off for the unknown from New Zealand three times, and have visited this country six times From all sides I have had numerous evidences of your friendship. I am sure you can understand, therefore, how delighted 1 have been to get back to a country for which I have such an affection and to have the opportunity to be one of those to co-operate with New Zealanders in this business of saving civilisation. My military duty has made it impossible for me to find lime to get in touch with my many old friends in New Zealand I want to use this method of sending them my warm greetings Since my mission is a secret one I regret that this statement cannot be published till after my departure from New Zealand T am sorry I cannot tell you where I go from here.”—P.A.