SUPPLY MISSION

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 79, 11 January 1944, Page 5

SUPPLY MISSION

ARRIVAL FROM INDIA MILITARY NEEDS ASIA AND PACIFIC AREAS Auckland, Jan. 10. 'We have come here to discuss how best to arrange the supply of military requirements for the South-East Asia and South-West Pacific Commands between the Eastern Group countries,” stated Mr I F. L. Elliot, chairman of the British Ministry of Supply Mission in India, who arrived in Auckland on Saturday by Tasman Empire Airways flying-boat from Sydney as the head of a mission from the Eastern Group Supply Council. India. He was accompanied by Major-General R. P. Paken-ham-Walsh, Director-General, War provisions, Eastern Group, Mr F. H. Harrison, supply and munitions expert, of the British Ministry of Supply, and Major Sir Thomas Berney, staff officer to Major-General Pakenham-Walsh.

The mission was met on arrival at the air base by Mr F. R. Picot, Commissioner of Supply, representing the New Zealand Government, Major-Gen-eral P. H. Bell, D. 5.0., officer commanding the Northern Military District, Mr W. G. Colquhoun, Munitions Controller, Mr J. R. Middleton, liaison officer to the Minister of Supply, Lieu-tenant-Colonel H. E. Erridge, Controller, Defence Services Provision Office, and Mr N. E. Dalmer, of the Ministry of Supply. The members of the mission were also welcomed by representatives of the Auckland Harbour Board and the City Council. Mr Elliot stated in an interview that the present situation required the most careful allocation of manpower to the most essential classes of production. Both the South-East Asia and the South-West Pacific Commands were concerned with a common enemy and there were many ways in which the countries concerned could help each other and, in so doing, help themselves. “We have a long way to go,” said Mr Elliot, “and the only way in which to get there quicker is to redouble our efforts.”

The mission has just spent two weeks in Australia, where members had many conferences with military, munitions and supply officials. They intend to spend approximately a week in New Zealand and another fortnight in Australia before returning to India.