OPINION ON CRETE

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 June 1941, Page 4

OPINION ON CRETE

RESERVED BY MR FRASER

UNTIL HE GETS FULL INFORMATION. NO DOUBT ABOUT GREECE. I By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) LONDON. June 22. The Minister of Information, Mr Duff Cooper, introduced Mr Fraser at his Press conference. “There are problems arising from Crete wanting an examination and explanation. not with recrimination, but for the purpose of facing up to questions like material weakness and seeing that they are avoided in future,” said Mr Fraser. “I have studied the British Press discussions on Greece and Crete with the greatest interest. I reserve my own opinion until I have met Mr Churchill and the Chief of Staff and so gel a proper and accurate perspective of the situation. There were conditions both in Greece and Crete which will not be repeated. One irrefutable requirement is more and more aircraft to co-operate in lhe closest possible manner with land forces.”

Mr Fraser added that the New Zealanders evacuated from Crete retained a spirit which was unquestionable. Soldiers expressed the opinion that, given air support, one New Zealander was equal to two Germans. “Our boys are confident they could sweep away the Germans if given parity in the air," he said. "No flesh and blood could have withstood indefinitely the poundings the expeditionary force experienced from bombs.”

Regarding Greece, Mr Fraser said there had never been a matter discussed more fully or in more detail between the Governments of the British Commonwealth .than the question of our forces assisting the Greeks. “I ,am still convinced it was the right thing to do, he said. “Our soldiers came back from Greece saying too much had been asked of them but that the job had to be done. If we had not gone to Greece lhe Nazis could have claimed, somewhat justifiably, that we cheered on lhe Greeks from the sideline and then ran away when their hour of need came.

“If that could have been said with a semblance ol truth decent people would have turned their faces from us and the isolationists in A'merica would have secured a crushing victory. I am anxious to get a well-balanced, scientific analysis regarding Crete so that I can give New Zealand the facts about it. Everyone agrees that given parity in the air we can defeat the Germans on land.

BRITISH FORTITUDE. “I now have seen for the first time evidence of the destruction the Nazis have wrought in England. New Zea< landers wish to pay from their hearts'"' the most sincere tribute to the courage, determination, fortitude and sacrifice ol all in the United Kingdom. New Zealand is proud that she was actually first to range herself alongside the Mother Country. That was done within a few minutes of receiving cabled news that Britain was at war. We have contributed to the margin our capacity in manpower and in everything we have done, and if any- ’ one can point out anything more we can do we shall just do it.” Referring to conscription in New Zealand, Mr Fraser said the New Zealanders in Greece and Crete were entirely volunteers. Few who entered under the compulsory system were now in Egypt, although many more were following. SHIPPING ADJUSTMENTS.

The Prime Minister expressed the hope that certain adjustments would be made in regard to shipping facilities to enable New Zealand to contribute I even more food to Britain. He explained New Zealand’s development of the manufacture of munitions and said rationing of petrol was necessary because dangers in the Pacific necessitated the maintenance of very .large stocks. Mr Fraser said he found the general position in Egypt most satisfactory. Both the Government and the people still felt that our cause was theirs, specially after the air re ids on Alexandria. At least 80 to 190 per cent of the people believed and hoped that the democracies would triumph, Mr Fraser concluded by expressing the thanks of New Zealand to Admiral Cunningham and his officers and men for their promptitude, bravery and efficiency in the evacuation of Greece and Crete. Thousands more New Zealanders would now be prisoners of war but lor the work of the Royal Navy. Replying to questions he said he would have full and complete discussions with the. members of the British Cabinet, but was returning to New Zealand as soon as nossible. Mr Fraser is meeting Mr Churchill during the weekend.

PRESS TRIBUTE I "AN INVIGORATING INFLUENCE.” LONDON. June 21. In a leading article on the arrival of Mr Fraser. "The Times’’ says: "It is fitting that Mr Fraser’s arrival should follow so closely Air Menzies's departure. He, like his Australian colleague. is certain to be an invigorating influence in the War Cabinet and in the country. He brings New Zealand's assurance of full co-operation in the common effort. "Of all the British countries New Zealand claims proudly to have remained the most British in spirit and sympathy. Mr Fraser heads a Labour Government—he succeeded Mr Savage. the (the leader prints the words in italics) most popular of all New Zealand Prime Ministers, as leader of the party and of the Government —but as far as the war is concerned party labels become meaningless. Every New Zealander is determined to see the war through to a finish and is determined that nothing shall be left undone to further the great cause for which we are fighting."