MR. FRASER IN EGYPT

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23968, 19 May 1941, Page 6

MR. FRASER IN EGYPT

During the few days which have sufficed for the Prime Minister, Mr. Eraser, to travel from Auckland to Cairo, on his way to London, he has been able to engage in many important discussions relating to Xew Zealand's part in the Empire's war effort. It is good to have news of his safe arrival in Egypt, particularly in view of the fact that, he took the not inconsiderable risk of flying over Irak on the last stage ot his journey and thus coming under enemv fire. His reason for taking that risk—an anxiety to see for himself how New Zealand troops aie : faring after their gallant fighting in I Greece —is both natural and coin | mend able. But even the speed of his journey has not prevented Mr. Feasor from performing useful duties en route. 11 is discussions in Sydney with members of the Australian War Cabinet are likely to have proved most timely, more especially as one of his Ministers. Mr. Seniple, is now on his way to the Commonwealth to take up some of the points which Mr. Fraser raised. It was fortunate, too. that the Prime Minister was able to take part in an exchange of views on Pacific defence problems with the Dutch and British authorities in the Netherlands East Indies and at Singapore, while the opportunity afforded him to study the I r ,mpire supply organisation in India should be productive of a mote intimate knowledge of the Dominion's responsibilities in this direction. The Prime Minister's crowded journey alone' is sufficient to show how complex and varied are the i war problems which ■'confront the Empire's statesmen and how essen- ; tial it is that all such problems j should be approached from the | standpoint of full political unity.