STOP PRESS

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 78, 29 September 1943, Page 6

STOP PRESS

S.w„ PACIFIC COMMAND CANBERRA, This Day.—“l am not aware of any change in the status, authority or command of General MacArthur and no change could be made without the Australian Government’s agreement.” This statement was made in the House of Representatives by Mr J. Curtin, the Prime Minister. .‘‘The set-up in the South-West Pacific area and boundaries in this region are the subject of an agreement between Australia, New Zealand, the United Kingdom, United States, and The Netherlands-, and they cannot be varied without the consent of the parties to the agreement The appointment of Admiral Mountbatten to command the S,E„ Asia area does not impinge in any way on General Mao Arthur’s command in the South-West Pacific, nor subordinate the South-West Pacific to the South-East Asia command. The eastern boundary o t Admiral Mountbatten’s command is the western boundary of General MacArthur’s command. Admiral Mountbatten was appointed by Mr Churchill and President Roosevelt. This is their right and privilege as they are supplying the forces for the South-East Asia region. The closest co-operation exists in matters of higher policy between Mr Churciuli and President Roosevelt and the Australian Government and between General MacArthur and myself.” DANG&R OF OVER-OPTIMISM WELLINGTON, This Day.wOpeamg the Navy League W«r Council annual meeting to-day. Sir Cyril Newall, the Governor-General, said he thought there was a just danger of people becoming too accustomed to good news. The news at the moment was very, very good.. While things were going well, and he felt they would continue to do so, the road ahead was a long one and not altogether straight and smooth. “We must keep on and not get the impression that it is all over bar the shouting—it is not by a long way.” Sir Cyril urged that we should pot forget what the sailors were achieving. The news of the dimunition of submarine sinkings of shipping was very gratifying.