SECRET NAVAL MISSION

Southland Times, Issue 24819, 11 August 1942, Page 4

SECRET NAVAL MISSION

Rear-Admiral Byrd’s Visit To NX

It has now become possible to state that Rear-Admiral Richard E. Byrd, U.S.N., the world’s most famous living explorer, recently spent some time in New Zealand while on a secret naval mission. Tlie Press Association’s correspondent at South Pacific area headquarters, where Rear-Admiral Byrd was frequently in conference with Vice-Admiral Robert L. Ghormley, U.S.N., commanding the area, says the release of the information was necessarily delayed for security reasons.

Rear-Admiral Byrd is no stranger to New Zealand. He has visited the country a number of times, the last occasion being shortly after the outbreak of war, and has taken three polar expeditions away from New Zealand ports. He wears the highest decoration his country can bestow—the Congressional Medal of Honour—and is the most decorated citizen of the United States. The awards and medals he has received occupy six rows of ribbon on his uniform jacket. “Every one of his medals,” said an American officer, “is on the level. None has been awarded to Dick for attending an ambassador’s tea party.” TOO CONSPICUOUS On his arrival in New Zealand RearAdmiral Byrd took three rows of ribbons off his jacket. He felt that they made him too conspicuous. At a Press conference shortly before he left headquarters, he said he had been on aviation duty for three years. “I cut short my exploring, of course,” he said, “and it goes without saying that I will not do any more until the war is over.” During his New Zealand visit, RearAdmiral Byrd maintained the tradition which Vice-Admiral Ghormley and his staff have established ever since the formation of the South Pacific area command. He worked hard and often long into the night, and is credited by the command with having done an excellent job. He also followed ViceAdmiral Ghormley’s example in enjoying secrecy. “It is the duty of everybody to refrain from discussing military information,” he said. Referring to New Zealand’s war effort he said: “Having regard for the Dominion’s facilities you have done very splendidly. The importance that my country attaches to co-operation with New Zealand is evidenced by the fact that it has sent here an officer of fhe very highest calibre, Vice-Admiral Ghormley, and one of our ablest citizens, Brigadier-General P. J. Hurley, who has held some of the highest responsibilities it is within the power of my country to destow. SUPERHUMAN EFFORT NEEDED

“There is one warning I want to give,” he said. “We must not be too optimistic and lay on our oars too much because of the Coral Sea and Midway battles. The people of the United Nations must realize their danger and put forth a superhuman effort to lick the enemy. This is everybody’s war. Every citizen can do his part and should feel proud to do it. At the moment there is a lull. We should not feel comfortable because of it, but should use every moment of it to improve our positions. I have shoved off for the unknown from New Zealand three times and have visited this country six times. From all sides I have had evidence of your friendship. I am sure you can understand, therefore, how delighted I have been to get back to a country for which I have such an affection and to have an opportunity to be one of those to co-operate with New Zealanders in this business of saving civilization. My military duty has made it impossible for me to find time to get in touch with my many old friends in New Zealand. I want to use this method of sending them my warm greetings. Since my mission is a secret one, I regret that this statement cannot be published until after my departure from New Zealand. I am sorry I cannot tell you where I go from here.”