STRATEGIC MOVE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24826, 28 January 1942, Page 5

STRATEGIC MOVE

NORTHERN IRELAND AMERICAN UNITS ARRIVE LONDON, Jan. 27. Several thousand American troops arrived in Northern Ireland this morning. In a speech of welcome, the British Secretary for Air, Sir Archibald Sinclair, said their safe arrival marked a new phase in the war. Units of the American and British Navies took part in the safe convoy of the contingent. Until they sighted the coast of Ireland none of the men knew where they were going, although there were rumours.

Correspondents who saw the Americans land were impressed by their prime physique and martial bearing. They marched to camp singing “Marching Through Georgia.” The troops are commanded by Majorgeneral Hartle. Sir Archibald Sinclair, who addressed the troops on behalf of the Government, said; “ From the prairies and teeming cities of the north and west you have come many thousands of miles across land and sea to these islands —not to sojourn among strangers, but to find yourself among friends who are grateful for your presence. Your comrades in the British fighting services who know the mettle' of the American soldier will be proud to share with you the place of honour in battle. Here, perhaps, you will join with us in withstanding the assaults of our common enemy on this island fortress. From here assuredly you will sally forth with us to carry the war into his territory and free the oppressed peoples of Europe. Your safe arrival here marks a new stage in the world war. ft is not an isolated manoeuvre of the war, but part of the general disposition of our resources which are being made under the supreme responsibility of your President and our Prime Minister.’ It is a gloomy portent for Herr Hitler; nor will its significance be lost on General Tojo. The Philippines, the Dutch East Indies, and British territories in the Far East are being ravaged, and Australia, whose people have given so much, and whose soldiers, sailors and airmen have fought so bravely, stands in peril. All this is in the minds of those responsible leaders who are planning our joint strategy, and your welcome arrival here to-day reveals a part of one great plan to smash the dictator Powers wherever they may be found. Many of you come from great cities endowed with all the material blessings of robust civilisation to the experience and rigours of camp life. You may find your new life hard, with fewer compensations than you have been used to. but you will remember you are now in the combat zone. We will strive to repay you by the warmth of our welcome. “ But vour chief reward,” said Sir Archibald, “ will be the knowledge that you are doing your duty in the latest phase—let us strive to make it the final phase—of that struggle which Burke described as the eternal conflict between law and arbitrary power. It needs no more than a single glance to confirm me in my belief in the martial quality of the American troops. In physique, in smartness of turnout, and in excellence of equipment you are an impressive vanguard of American military might. Such are the men under the heroic leadership of General MacArthur in the Philippines. who are punishing an enemy greatly more numerous than themselves. Fighting shoulder to shoulder with the British Army and with other valiant armies of the united Powers you will assuredly bring victory over the tyranny of the Axis Powers and j vindicate the common cause of justice | and freedom.” ;

ENTHUSIASM IN ULSTER HISTORIC OCCASION (Rec. 11.30 p.m.) LONDON, Jan. 27 The Ulster Prime Minister. Mr J. M. Andrews, in a statement issued following the arrival of the American troops, described the occasion as stirring and historic. “Both the Government and the people of Northern Ireland share my feeling of satisfaction that officers and men of the United States Army are here to join in the struggle against those evil forces' which inhuman enemies have unloosed and which must be defeated before peace can be restored, security established, and right enthroned throughout the world. After the lapse of a generation. American forces have again crossed the Atlantic. From this part of the British Empire we extend to President Roosevelt and the Government and people of the United States our tribute of admiration for the determination with which they entered the fight against the common foe. Enthusiastically we welcome the American forces now in our midst. Their presence is a reminder of the close kinship that has long existed between the United States and Ulster. It is a reaffirmation of those principles of human liberty for which the British and American peoples stand. It is also an omen of that victory which will assuredly be the reward of our united steadfastness and sacrifice.”