N.Z. MAY FACE DIFFICULTIES

Southland Times, Issue 24355, 8 February 1941, Page 6

N.Z. MAY FACE DIFFICULTIES

POSSIBLE ROLE OF JAPAN (United Press Association) CHRISTCHURCH. February 7. A warning that New Zealand’s position could be made very difficult by the enemy was given in emphatic terms today by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, a member of the War Cabinet, in an address in which he gave a review of world conditions, and an outline of the Dominion’s war effort and requirements to members of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce.

“If you look at the part Japan may play it makes it difficult for us to realize just what may happen,” he said. He also said that, beyond all doubt, New Zealand troops would be required in the Balkans. He urged that New Zealand should be fully defended. Halfway measures would be no good. “With Japan coming into the fray and Germany pressing down into southern Europe the position in Bulgaria presents a very different setting from what it did a few months ago,’ said Mr Coates. “We are inclined to take heart because Empire troops are going well overseas. Our troops are perhaps playing a small part, but a very important part, in the campaigns raging now in North Africa, but the pressing down of Germany into Bulgaria calls for a declaration by Bulgaria and Turkey. Much depends, I think, on that declaration. That our troops will be required there is beyond all doubt. You can see on that flank all the possibilities of a gigantic struggle. That alone will keep us very busy.

POSSIBLE DANGERS I “If you look at the part Japan may i play it makes it difficult for us to I realize just what may happen. One I thing I think is clear’ enough. In no sense can we ignore the fact that our enemies can make the position exceedingly difficult for us. There is much talk whether Japan is likely to interfere with us and you hear people say: ‘lf Japan does we have America and they won’t see us go down’ and soit goes on. Others say: LA.II you want is just enough to stop them,’ but don’t you think it boils down to this: ‘You have either to defend your country or not defend it. There is no half-way course. It is not good enough.’ It won’t do when you remember that the enemies opposed to you are armed to the teeth with the most effective and latest war weapons. That is what we are up against. In the early stages of the war it was a matter of just getting our men and conditions as best we could.

“Our men overseas are not yet 100 per cent, equipped so short have been supplies, but supplies are coming all the time. Our boys could take the ’field tomorrow. The obtaining cf sufficient equipment and supplies to put our men in a position to take the field has been pressing and urgent, but the same applies to the troops of South Africa, Australia and the United Kingdom in Africa.”