WHAT TO EXPECT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24825, 27 January 1942, Page 6

WHAT TO EXPECT

BRITAIN AND PACIFIC AMERICA NEEDS TIME SIR KEITH MURDOCH’S VIEWS I don't believe that this country would lay down the sword while Japan bestrode the south-western Pacific, even if she bestrode only the archipelagoes, said Sir Keith Murdoch. the well-known Australian newspaper director, in a message cabled from London to the Melbourne Herald late last month. Quite apart from the faithfulness and moral toughness of these wonderful people, there is »the consideration that Britain cannot stand in the future without Australia and America any more than Australia can stand without Britain and America, or America without Britain and Australia. Whatever happens, the world will be no place for a small country or small people without stout friends, allies, and, best of all, cousins. Therefore, good relationships and cooperation with this country should be encouraged in every possible way. British Power Moreover, this country has help for the Pacific, is giving it and will give it more. It is difficult to sec what other serious help can come for some time.

The British Empire is preeminently the strongest force among those fighting the aggressors. The British Air Force has always been qualitatively very good. Indeed, it is now rising to great striking strength. The Russian Air Force has done wonderfully well, but it must be remembered that Britain has been supplying many of her best aeroplanes. Moreover, her ceaseless,air offensives in the west, particularly her use of fighters for the protection of bombers and for fighter sweeps, has kept one-half of Germany’s fighter strength in western Europe throughout the Russian war.

American air strength scarcely exists yet on a European or Japanese basis. It is weak in numbers and its machines require adaptations and changes. It will be many months before it is truly strong. At sea, Britain, although beset, recognises her duty to Pacific peoples. She is inherently much the greatest naval Power. t America’s Eole

America has been thrust on the defensive, and any major offensive must be some time coming and will require much British co-operation. Britain’s army is growing greatly, particularly in armament strength. The American Army has yet to be equipped and trained with its equipment. Britain’s production of aeroplanes, tanks, anti-aircraft guns, and many specialised munitions is far advanced, good in type, and substantial in volume. America’s will be wonderful, but it will take months before types are adapted, tooling completed, and the flow begins. She will need Britain's tutelage as to machines, implements, and methods. As for help from Russia, her policy is the most realistic in Europe and most independent. It is dangerous thinking indeed to expect anything there until Russia’s own exact time. Remember that she moved troops from Siberia for the present western operations and not long ago urgently needed our help.

I write this with absolute confidence as to the facts and in the hope that Australia’s anxieties will not lead any people into wrong, foolish, ungenerous thinking. Downing Street Errors

Ultimately the American effort and an increased flow here, plus our efforts at home, will bring preponderant strength, but much time is required in America and many mistakes, reverses, and disappointments must be borne.

The people of this country, indeed everyone, are most anxious about the Pacific, and the trouble has been miscalculations and wrong strategical conceptions in Downing Street. Australia should give up complaining and be prepared to claim and take her seats, which she could have for any final nominees at the council tables here certainly and possibly at Washington. Then all could work together for the general good.