N.Z. TROOPS WANTED IN BALKANS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 33, 8 February 1941, Page 6

N.Z. TROOPS WANTED IN BALKANS

OPINION OF MIA. COATES REVIEW OF WAR EFFORT ENEMIES COULD MAKE THINGS DIFFICULT FOR DOMINION | Per Pre*s Aisociation. ] CHRISTCHURCH, Feb. 7. A warning that New Zealand's position could be made very difficult by her enemies, was given in emphatic terms to-day by the Hon. .1. G. Coater, a member of the War Cabinet, in an address in which he gave a review of world conditions, and an outline of the Dominion's war effort and requirements, to members of the Canterbury Chamber of Commerce. “If you look at the part Japan may play, it makes it difficult for us to realise just what may happen,” he said. He also said that, beyond all doubt, New Zealand troops would be required in the Balkans. He urged that New Zealand should be fully defenced. Half-way measures would be no good. Japan Into the Fray. "With Japan coming into the fray and Germany pressing down into southern Europe, the position in Bulgaria presents a very different setting from what it did a few months ago," said Mr. Coates. "We are inclined to take heart that Empire troops are going well overseas. Our troops are perhaps playing a small part, but a very important part, in the campaignraging now in North Africa, but the pressing down of Germany into Bulgaria calls for a declaration by Buiga ) i and Turkey. Much depends, I think, on that declaration.

“That our troops will be required there is beyond all doubt. You can see. on that flank all the possibilities of a gigantic struggle that alone will keep us very busy.

"If you look at the part Japan may (lay, it makes it difficult for us to realise just what may happen. One thing I think is clear enough. In no sense can we ignore the fact that our enemies can render the position exceedingly difficult for us. There is much talk as to whether Japan is likely to interfere with us, and j»ju hear people say: 'lf Japan does we have America, and they won't see us

go down,’ and so it goes on. Others say: ‘All you want is just enough to stop them.’ But don’t you think it boils down to this. You have e’.tner to defend your country or not defend it. There is no half-way course. It is not good enough. It won't do. When you remember that (he emenies opposed to you are armed to the teeth with the most effective and latest war weapons, that is what we are up against. In the early stages of the war it was a matter of just getting our men and conditions as we we could.

"Our men overseas are not yet 100 per cent, equipped, so short have been supplies, but supplies are coming all the time. Our boys could take the field to-morrow. The obtaining of sufficient equipment and supplies to put our men in a position to take the field has been pressing and urgent, but the same applies te the troops of South Africa, Australia, and the United Kingdom, in Africa.”