RUSHING AID

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24189, 3 February 1942, Page 4

RUSHING AID

SOUTH-WEST PACIFIC

ASSERTION BY WRITER

AUSTRALIA'S RECENT APPEAL

(Reed. 5.35 p.m.) WASHINGTON. Feo. 1 The writer on international affaire for the Washington Sunday Star, Constantine Brown, credits the Australian Government, seconded by the Governments of New Zealand and China, with convincing the United States of the necessity to send reinforcements immediately to the south-west Pacific before attempting the decisive defeat of the Germans. He says: "The earnest words of the Canberra Government, supported by those of New Zealand, have achieved their purpose. Forces are now being rushed to the Pacific in such strength that we can look forward with confidence that at least one member of the Avis may bo halted before long." Factor In Decision Mr. Brown says the Japanese occupation of Australian outpost islands was one factor in reaching the decision in Washington. After that occupation the United Nations' strategy board, mainly President Roosevelt and Mr. Churchill, decided to give up for the time being all thought of adventures in Europe and the Mediterranean area and to concentrate ail Allied efforts to defeat the Japanes"e before seriously tackling Hitler. . , "The Australians spoke their mind forcefully," he adds. "The Premier did not mince words in his urgent appeal ,to London and he spoke plainly to thi' authorities in Washington. He did not dwell on unselfish sacrifices of the Australians in the battlefields of Europe and Africa knowing that sentimental considerations would not weigh much these days, but he did point out frankly the consequences of the Australians' plight and indicated that lie was demanding real support before it was too late. Time Element Emphasised "The time element, which, during the staff conversations in Washington, had been somewhat disregarded, was emphasised by the Australian Premier, who showed conclusively that the United Nations cannot afford to make the mistake of thinking in terms of next year or next summer. "Assistance in great quantities must come at once. He made it clear that otherwise it might be too late and that even Hitler's defeat would be relatively unimportant in face of an immediate catastrophe in the Pacific.