NATION EXULTS

New Zealand Herald, Volume 81, Issue 25030, 21 October 1944, Page 7

NATION EXULTS

PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE MacARTHUR'S COMMAND PLANNING REWARDED

(Reed. 9.15 p.m.) WASHINGTON, Oct. 20 "The whole American nation today exults at the news that the gallant men under your command have landed on Philippines soil," said President Roosevelt in a message to General Mac Arthur. "I know well what this means to you. I know what it cost you to obey my order to leave Corregidor in February, 1942, and proceed to Australia. Since then you planned, worked and fought with whole-souled devotion for the day when you should return to the Philippines with powerful forces. That day has come. "You have the nation's gratitude and prayers for success as you and your men fight your way back to Bataan." A Promise Redeemed in a statement on the Philippines landing President Roosevelt said: "We landed to redeem a pledge we made over two years ago when the last American troops surrendered on Corregidor against overwhelming enemy strength. Nowhere has the desire to avenge their comrades been stronger than among the forces of the South-west Pacific.

"Leyte is another rung in the lons ladder that General Mac Arthur's men have been climbing for two years. Leyte is only a way station on the road to Japan. From our new base we shall quicken the assault. "Our attacks last week have been destructive and decisive, but now we shall strike even more devastating, blows against Japan. Now we are going to teach Japan her lesson. We shall free enslaved peoples, and restore stolen lands and looted wealth to their rightful owners. We shall strangle the black dragon of Japanese militarism for ever." Future of Philippines In a message to President Osrnena, President of the Philippines, Mr Roosevelt said when the Japanese were driven out the Philippines would take a place as a free and independent member of the family of nations. President Roosevelt also sent a message to Admirals Nimitz and Halsey in which he said: "Your fine co-operation with General Mac Arthur furnishes another example of teamwork and the effective and intelligent use of all weapons." STRENGTHENED NAVY INDIAN OCEAN FORCES ASSAULT 'AGAINST JAPAN (Becd. 6.10 p.m.) LONDON. Oct. QO The Times draws attention to the strengthening of British and Allied naval forces in the Indian Ocean and savs the recent activities of these forces justify the expectation that the Royal Navy will soon be playing an important part' in the general assault against the Japanese. In this assault Australia will be seen in a new role, for this year her war effort is being completely recast. The Commonwealth, the neAvspaper says, is being converted by the self-sacrificing efforts of its citizens into one of the treat organic bases for the supply of the mighty armies and fleets which will be required to bring Japan to her knees. The Daily Mail, in calling for more information about the work of the British Navy, says it was not realised what our seamen were doing in Far Eastern waters until Mr Churchill partly pulled aside the veil. We have built' up a great fleet in these waters so equipped with supply vessels that it can remain at sea for months. NICOBAR BOMBARDMENT NO ALLIED CONFIRMATION (Herd, fl.lo p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 20 There is no Allied confirmation yet of Japanese reports of an Allied naval and air bombardment on the Nicobar Islands in the Indian Ocean. THE HALSEY TOUCH "RETIRING" TOWARD ENEMY (Reed. 0.15 p.m.) WASHINGTON. Oct. '2O The Pearl Harbour correspondent of the United Press interviewed Admiral Nimitz, who said he had received from Admiral Halsey the comforting assurance that he was now "retiring toward the enemy after salvaging all Third Fleet ships recently reported sunk by the Tokyo radio." VICTORY HOLIDAY (Reed. 6.30 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 20 More than 40,000 workers of the Nuffield Organisation will receive two days' holiday with pay immediately "cense fire" sounds in Europe. The vice-chair-man of the organisation said Lord Nuffield insisted 'that all workers should have properly-constituted freedom to rejoice when the great day came. The Daily Mail says the Government has plans for a public holiday when the war against Germany ends, but "cease fire" will not mean tools down. Victory celebrations will be' "controlled," probably on a staggered basis.