NAVIES' RELATIONS

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23970, 21 May 1941, Page 8

NAVIES' RELATIONS

BRITAIN ANI) AMERICA TRIBUTE BY COMMODORE (0.C.) _ WELLINGTON, Tuesday "We in the Navy do have opportunities of making contacts with people of other nations," said Commodore W. E. Parry, Chief of the 'Naval Staff in New Zealand, in a talk at a luncheon of-the Wellington branch of the EnglishSpeaking Union. "In England we are inclined to be a bit slaw in moving; in addition to many fine traditions, we aiso have some very silly prejudices," he said. "When we English meet Americans we find what large-hearted and generous people they are; in fact, just like ourselves." Commodore Parry said he could not speak too highly of the, prompt manner in which the American fleet had scrapped its own naval system and adopted Britain's during the Great War. "They were grand fellows to work with during the last war, and they are helping us all they can now," he said, ' The officers of the British and American navies had always been 011 the very best of terms, and it had been a greatpleasure to renew acquaintance with them when the American squadron recently visited Auckland. That visit had been made at a most opportune time. They said they had come on a training cruise, but no doubt it was more than coincidence. "What the future holds no one can say," Commodore Parry continued, "but if we find ourselves fighting another Power in these waters American co-operation will make all the dif-» ference. But the war is not going to be won in the Pacific. The eyes of America are fixed on Europe, and they realise the war will end there. We C!.u be'quite sure that they are not going to let us down. They have got their own point of view, and we have got to try to under stand it." i