WAR IN PACIFIC

New Zealand Herald, Volume 79, Issue 24195, 10 February 1942, Page 4

WAR IN PACIFIC

PART OF AMERICA ASSEMBLING POWER DOMINIONS' IMPOKTANCE Two famous newspaper correspondents Mr. H. R. Knickerbocker, of the Chicago Sun, and Mr. Joseph C. Harsch, of the Christian Science Monitor, in an interview in Auckland last night, emphasised that New Zealand and Australia were now in the front line of the war in the Pacific. Both countries, they said, were absolutely essential to the Allies as bases from which vital supply lines to the Far East could he kept open. The United States, in agreement with the other Allied nations, was doing everything in her power to augment the forces in the Far EAst, and both New Zealand and Australia*would share in this reinforcement. "I wish,'' said Mr. Harsqh, "that I could tell you some of the things we are doing. It would make you kick up your heels."

Blow that the bombing of Pearl Harbour was, especially as it resulted in the death of 5000 fully trained American servicemen, it was the price the United States paid for its awakening, said Mr. Harsch. For two years his people had slumbered. Now they were fully alive to the whole world position. Much confronted them. Many great tasks had to be achieved, but production of war materials in the United States had now reached a most encouraging stage, and both New Zealand and Australia would benefit from this.

"We have much to do," he said. "By that, I do not mean you people of the British Empire. I mean we Americans. In the past we have looked on. Now we are in it with all our force. You people out here in New Zealand and Australia are essential to us in our designs. Apart from this fact, the United States from natural reasons of sympathy, brotherliness and goodwill are determined that you shall not go under." '

Mr. Knickerbocker also said he had been greatly heartened by what he had seen in the United States before leaving for the Far East battle zone. He instanced what was being achieved at the Consolidated Aircraft Corporation's assembly line. What he had seen there was almost unbelievable. Great problems still remained to be solved, but even if it took as much as 18 months to bring their full power into operation against the Japanese, the signs at home in the United States were most encouraging. The war in the Pacific, said Mr. Knickerbocker, was part and parcel of the great war pattern of the whole world. Japan stood or fell with Germany. How long would Japan last, he asked, if Germany suddenly collapsed and the Allies could bring to bear in the Far East the full might of their navies and air forces? In the meantime, the most important question was the keeping open of the lines of supply. These now took in New* Zealand and Australia. The United States was straining every nerve to keep them open.