RECIPROCAL AID PLAN

Southland Times, Issue 24841, 5 September 1942, Page 4

RECIPROCAL AID PLAN

New Zealand And America (P.A.) WELLINGTON, September 4. In a statement tonight the Deputy Prime Minister, the Hon. D. G. Sullivan, said that in an exchange of notes at the State Department, Washington, on Thursday, the Hon. W. Nash concluded an agreement confirming arrangements for reciprocal aid between the United States and New Zealand. Similar agreements were made on the same date between the f e P re " sentatives of Britain, Australia and America. Mr Sullivan said the terms “Lend-lease” and reverse “lend-lease” were becoming familiar to New Zealand and were a symbol of the united spirit between the nations fighting against aggression.

The agreement now signed did not embark on any new procedure, but confirmed the arrangements that had gradually been worked out over the past several months. Its object was to ensure that supplies were drawn from the countries best able to furnish them with a minimum wastage of shipping space. From the United States there had been supplied to New Zealand m furtherance of the common war effort, finished war materials, military equipment munitions, military and naval stores and also raw materials and machinery essential for the common war effort and for the-maintenance of essential civilian services. In only a few months New Zealand had afforded aid to the United States armed forces on a considerable scale. “We have provided the bulk of the foodstuffs required in this area, particularly meat, butter, cheese, bread, milk, fruit and fresh vegetables,” he said. “In fact, vegetable production is being increased to ensure that as far as possible, in addition to our own needs, both civil and military, the requirements of American forces are met. Camps, hospitals and a wide variety of necessary buildings have been constructed; storage accommodation on a large scale has been provided, aerodromes extended and improved, and naval base facilities have been considerably expanded. All cement supplies were for a period reserved for defence work, and a greater part of our timber supplies were used for the same purpose. Transport and communication facilities have also been made . available. In many of the Pacific islands defence installations and camps already built have been lj.an.ded. over to the United States forces as part of the reciprocal lend-lease. “Indeed,” concluded Mr Sullivan, “New Zealand will make a most determined effort to ensure that her contribution in goods, materials and services under reverse lease-lend is a worthy one. At the same time we acknowledge with gratitude the splendid assistance received by way of lease-lend from our American allies.” ASSISTANCE GIVEN TO AMERICA Equipment And Material (8.0.W.) RUGBY, September 3. The singleness of purpose and desire for complete co-operation existing throughout the United Nations are shown by the way lend-lease aid is working between the United States, Britain, Australia, New Zealand and the Fighting French. Full details of the system were issued officially in Washington and published in London today in connection with the announcement of an Anglo-American agreement pn the subject. Reciprocal lend-lease aid to the United States is being provided on the same basis as the United States is providing help to other countries. In order to pool all the resources of the United Nations for the most effective use against the enemy American troops abroad are receiving a wide range of equipment from other countries, that received from Australian equalling the aid to Australia and New Zealand. Materials received by America range from Spitfires to new fan belts for army trucks, the building of aerodromes at naval bases to the supply of food for troops, the convoy and protection of fuel and many other services in Northern Ireland, Britain, Africa, the Middle East, India, Australia and New Zealand. The United States’ home defences have been strengthened with thousands of British barrage balloons, anti-aircraft guns, corvettes and newly invented devices for attack and defence have been made available. This help is supplied without exchange of money. Lend-lease aid, working in both directions, is providing the principal means for pooling resources. As more troops move abroad supplying them on the spot saves time and shipping. Most American troops travel abroad on British ships. The Shipping Adjustment Board is providing shipping requirements for both countries. The output of British factories is lend-leased to American troops where required, and the Royal Air Force aids in the final training of American airmen, who handle British planes. A quarter of a million British workmen are making aerodromes for the American Air Force in Britain. The same is true around the world, in Cape Town, Port Sudan, Karachi, Bombay, Sydney and Auckland. American warships damaged in action are repaired at British naval stations and stores, docking, fuel, harbour and stevedore expenses are lend-leased to fighting ships and merchant ships.