SCOPE OF DECISION

Wairarapa Times-Age, 22 June 1942, Page 3

SCOPE OF DECISION

WHOLE FIELD OF WAR BEING SURVEYED CONSIDERATION OF CHANGES IN PACIFIC. NO MAJOR CHANGE REGARDING SECOND FRONT. NEW YORK, June 19. The Washington correspondent of the “New York Times” says that Mr Roosevelt and Mr Churchill conferred at a secret rendezvous surrounded by ranking military aides. It is understood that they discussed the Pacific situation in the light of the Midway Island victory, and also China’s desperate position, the Russian campaign, and matters related to a second European front, as well as the shipping situation. It can be stated authoritatively that Mr Churchill’s trip to America was planned before the battle in Libya took the present adverse turn. There is considerable reason to believe that Mr Churchill is not making demands for special American help in the Middle East. The weakening of the Japanese fleet in the Midway Island and Coral Sea engagements, and also the virtual Japanese cutting off of supply routes to China have forced a re-assessment of the possibilities for action in the Pacific, and presumably Mr Roosevelt and Mr Churchill are making decisions in the light of the changed conditions. Australia, India, and Burma will not be ignored in their discussions. The best information indicates that no major change is contemplated in the policy of building up aerial and other armed power for the establishment of a second European front. The earliest possible moment when such a front can be opened may be decided on. However, it would be only natural if the British, remembering Dunkirk and Greece, wish to take every precaution to guard against disaster when the second front materialises. At the same time, seme close advisers are reported to be urging President Roosevelt to take action sooner than others deem wise. In Washington, well-informed circles stressed that the conferences which are expected to last into the week are designed to produce a full meeting of minds between President Roosevelt and Mr Churchill, which it would be impossible to achieve through intermediates. The closest official silence is maintained about the progress and location of the conferences.