WAR AGAINST JAPAN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25279, 16 July 1943, Page 3

WAR AGAINST JAPAN

PREDICTION BY MR JONES A MIGHTY AIR ARMADA ■ ' * (Rec 1.30 a.m.) CANBERRA. July 15 The New Zealand Minister of Defence, Mr F. Jones, after 56,000 miles of travelling abroad, including the inspection of New Zealanders in North Africa, painted a rosy, picture to-day of the flood of help that will reach this corner of the world against the Japanese when the war in the European theatre is finished. He said that air power had been one of the big factors ir. sealing the fate of the Axis in North Africa, and he predicted that a mighty air armada would one day be used against Japan. Mr Jones came to Australia to meel Lieutenant-general Sir Bernard Freyberg, and in talks with General MacArthur and Admiral W. Halsey learned of the satisfactory progress being made in the new offensive against the Japanese and of the degree of co-operation being exercised by those responsible for the South-west and South Pacific operations. _ Everywhere he went, said Mr Jones, he heard stories of the great fighting qualities of the New Zealanders. British officers were high in their praise of their courage, which was best indicated by the fact that of 66 Victoria Crosses awarded in this war six had been won by New Zealanders. The men of his country were delighted to see him, said Mr- Jones. Some who had been abroad for more than three years were anxious to learn of the doings at home, especially the latest information on the burning question, “How are the Japanese?” Mr Jones told interviewers: “Although you are nearer that menace, we do not like them any more than you do.”