THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1942 ANZAC NAVAL COMMAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24194, 9 February 1942, Page 4

THE New Zealand Herald AND DAILY SOUTHERN CROSS. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 9, 1942 ANZAC NAVAL COMMAND

Local and personal reality has been given to the plans for a unified Allied command in the Pacific by the United States Navy communique announcing the appointment of ViceAdmiral Herbert F. Leary as commander of Anzac naval forces. These will comprise the combined naval forces of the United Nations in the Anzac area, defined as the eastern approaches to Australia and New Zealand. The new command and that of the South west Pacific covering the Hast, Indian Archipelago are both subordinated to Admiral Hart, the naval commander-in-chief associated with General Wavell's supreme command. Together they embrace the whole sea area of operations against Japan east of the Indian Ocean and west of the North American naval defence area. These moves convey several meanings, each of great significance. First they are the application in detail and practice of the principle of a unified command to uphold the Allies' united purpose. No doubt the spread of the Japanese menace has hastened decision, but the swiftness with which action has been taken also proclaims the unity of aim and spirit of co-operation animating Allied councils. The further fact that the decisions relate to naval commands is a recognition of the fact that the restoration of the position in the Pacific depends fundamentally and primarily on the assertion of Allied sea power. That must come first and it is being placed first in London and Washington, to judge by these opening moves. Another most notable fact is that the naval commander-in-chief and the commanders of the Anzac and South-west Pacific areas are all American admirals Here is a plain indication that America is assuming the leadership and accepting the chief responsibility in the Pacific war zone. Confirmation is given in Mr. Churchill's earlier statement that the communications between the Anzac area and North America are a United States responsibility, while the communications across the Indian Ocean remain a British responsibility. This American military primacy in the Pacific is the natural development and sequel of the diplomatic primacy exercised by

Washington in the months preceding 1 the outbreak of war with' Japan. During that period Mr. Churchill twice stated that- the initiative rested with America, although she could count on the instant and complete support of the British Empire. It is certain that the same pledge holds now that the quarrel with Japan has moved from the diplomatic into the military sphere. America remains the leader in action, as well as alphabetically, of the A-B-C-D bloc. New Zealand is well content that it should be so, and the same no doubt applies to • Australia. They see in the creation of the Anzac naval command under an American admiral a new and powerful guarantee of their own security. Here, then, is the fourth significant deduction from the new b commands, a local and most reassuring deduction. The British Navy has many and vital commitments to fulfil in the Atlantic, Arctic and Indian Oceans, and in the Mediterranean. It is good to know, therefore, that the United States Navy is taking station in the Anzac area New Zealanders offer congratulations to Admiral Leary on his new command and can assure him that he will be many times welcome. Living at the Dominion's naval base, Aucklanders wish to add an extra touch of friendliness and warmth to these sentiments. American aid is needed and is therefore gratefully hailed, but America is regarded here as more than a military ally ; she is cherished as an old and good friend. On the naval side, the friendship was firm-founded on the visits before and after the last war of the American Fleet, and more recently was happily renewed at the reception and entertainment of the American training squadron. The practical courtesy of that last visit was deeply appreciated from a great neutral Power to a small country already involved in war. If and when units of Admiral Leary's command come to Auckland, they can be assured in advance of the hospitality and friendliness their forerunners experienced, and also, no doubt, of all the aid, support and cooperation that the New Zealand Government, the service departments, and the people can give. Admiral Leary is fortunate in being able to establish his command in an area where there are good bases and most of them still immune from enemy interference. His opposite number, Vice-Admiral Glassford, takes over in an area in which every base, including Darwin, has come within reach of land-based enemy bombers. May Admiral Leary's good fortune stay with him ; may he be able to build up the defences and the striking power of the Anzac command in a zone of relative immunity ; may his forces finally bring strong reinforcement, to Admiral Glassford in clearing the East Indian area! New Zealand wishes him success.