ONLY BEGUN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 12 June 1942, Page 3

ONLY BEGUN

TASK OF CONQUERING JAPAN DR. EVATT’S DECLARATION. NEED OF CONCERTED EFFORT. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) NEW YORK, June 10. In a broadcast today, Dr. Evatt, the Australian Minister of External Affairs, stressed the danger of underestimating Japan’s strength. He said: “Both Australia and New Zealand have been gravely concerned at the march of events. In stressing the menace of Japan, Australia does not for a moment under-estimate the power of Hitler’s Germany. Australia knows perfectly well that Hitler’s theatres of war are crucial theatres. Our view of the three Axis Powers is that all three must be attacked and they will go crashing down together. “Without being over-optimistic, we are rapidly gathering material strength, and our organisation for co-operation with the United Nations has gradually improved. Through the consultations of the Pacific War Council the Pacific theatre has been brought into sharper focus and the joint plans made easier of execution. The solidarity and comradeship of the United Nations are well evidenced by the very special personal relationship of President Roosevelt and Mr Churchill.

“Today the Battle of Midway Island, following the Battle of the Coral Sea, has caused a feeling of jubilation and confidence. All this is good, but I am somewhat startled to find that people are inclined to interpret the Battle of Midway as deciding the war against Japan. This is a dangerous doctrine. The task of conquering Japan has only commenced.” Dr. Evatt’s mission, which all concerned characterise as extremely successful, has now ended.