GRIM OUTLOOK

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24833, 5 February 1942, Page 5

GRIM OUTLOOK

JAPAN STAKING ALL PERSEVERANCE BY ALLIES BUILDING UP POWER RUGBY, Feb. 3. The Chinese Ambassador, Dr Wellington Koo, speaking in the Guildhall, said it must be admitted that the outlook in the South-Western Pacific was grim. A furious battle had been raging for nearly two months, and the defenders, in spite of gallant fighting, had lost much ground. Strategically, Japan's domination of the South Seas region would facilitate the seizure of Burma and the Burma road, which were indispensable to the Allies, he said. It would also disrupt the principal communication and supply lines of Australia and New Zealand with Britain. But, above all, it would facilitate the operation of a probable pincer movement by Germany and Japan on a gigant'c transcontinental scale, one jaw pushing eastwards from Europe through the Caucasus and North Africa to the Near East, and the other pressing relentlessly westward to India and Iran from the newly-con-quered positions in the Malay Peninsula and the South Seas. "In this battle of Asia, the whole of the Middle East is at stake," headded. "Its outcome will also have a far-reaching effect on the struggle in the West. The significance of the Far Eastern front cannot be overstated. It constitutes an. integral part of the whole contest."

Long-range Prospect

While taking full account of the gravity of the present situation. Dr Koo continued, they must not lose sight of' the long-range prospect; which was far from sombre. No.serious war was, fought without fluctuating fortunes. Just as local successes should not elate them, so temporary setbacks should not unduly depress them. It was the last battle that mattered most.

Japan's game was to wage ; a lightning war and force a quick decision in the hope of getting hold of all the rich islands of the archipelagos of Southern Asia. Withi these treasure stores safely in her pockets, she planned, to sit on the defensive and expand her war machine for another and bigger struggle later for world dominion. To achieve her immediate purpose she was staking everything on the fight. It was a big gamble, but the Allies would not accept it with hands down, but persevere until they could hit back. Allies' Immense Resources Perseverance was the dominant note in the spirit prevailing not only in Chungking, Washington, and London, but also in Batavia, Canberra, and Wellington, Dr Koo said. With their immense resources of man-power, material, wealth, and industrial potential the Allies could and would out-produce and out-equip the enemy. When that was done the enemy's present superiority in numbers and armaments would disappear. When new divisions, ships, tanks, guns, and. aeroplanes began to arrive in an ever-increasing flow his doom.would be sealed.

The Ambassador said the shortage of heavy equipment remained China's chief handicap. If she could 'get more tanks, guns, and planes she would be able to make a greater contribution to the common cause. Aid for China

After recalling Mr Churchill's assurance that everything would be done to give China arms supplies, Dr Koo added that the announcement by the British Government that it would, make a loan of £50,000,000 and send all munitions and military equipment which it was possible to supply, was another piece of good news to the Chinese people, and was sure to be welcomed with appreciation and gratitude. Though 6 she was now a veteran of the fight for freedom, China was proud to be a member of the Grand Alliance, and would co-operate wholeheartedly with the Allies.

China was now pouring troops into Burma to join in the defence of that vast and important region, Dr Koo said. She was ready to pledge everything she had and all she was to the common cause. The genius of her people, the experience of her generals, and the lives of her soldiers—these and other things, if needed, were at the service of her Allies to achieve a speedy and complete victory. She had dedicated herself to this great common task, and would not lay down her arms until by the concerted efforts of the United Nations the battle of freedom was won for the world.