NEW POST FOR AMERICAN

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

NEW POST FOR AMERICAN

VICE-ADMIRAL H. F. LEARY APPROVAL OF DOMINION

(Special Reporter) WELLINGTON. Sunday It was announced to-night by the Prime Minister, Mr. F raser, that it had been decided that the combined naval forces of the New Zealand and Australian areas should be established under a single command. By agreement with the United States this command would be executed by Vice-Admiral Herbert F. Leary, United States Navy, with the title of Commander, Anzac Force. Mr. Fraser said this arrangement, and especially the appointment of an American admiral, would be much appreciated by the people of New Zealand. It was welcomed by the Government as evidence of the co-operation of the nations engaged in the struggle against Japan, and of their determination to do all in their power to throw back the aggressor. A United States Navy communique cabled from Washington announcing the appointment of Vice-Admiral Leary also announced a new naval command designating the forces which formerly were the Asiatic Fleet as "the United States Naval Forces in the South-West Pacific.'' the ABDA (American, British, Dutch, Australian) area. These forces, the United States Navy announced, will be commanded by Vice-Admiral William A. Glassford. Both Vice-Admiral Leary and Vice-Admiral Glassford will be subordinate to Admiral Thomas C. Hart, United States Navy, Commander-in-Chief in the South-West Pacific. The reorganisation of the United Nations' forces in the Aus-tralia-New Zealand area, the communique continued, brings naval operations under unified command and is intended to satisfy requests by Australia and New Zealand for a more closely-knit war organisation.