MR. COATES IMPRESSED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 85, Issue 188, 12 August 1941, Page 6

MR. COATES IMPRESSED

WAR EFFORT IN CANADA AND UNITED STATES REASSURING SUPPORT (Press Assn.) Wellington, Aug. 10. Impressions gained on his recent visit to the United States and Canada were given by the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates in an address to-night. He was much impressed by the rapid development of production in both countries. Planes, tanks, guns, light automatics and war materials of all kinds were rolling off the lines in a way that gave tremendous promise for the future. Canada’s war effort was extraordinarily good, both in production of material, factories working three shifts a day and seven days a week, and in number of volunteers for service overseas. The French Canadians, so far as he could gather, were playing their part well. He was impressed by Canada’s readiness to assist New Zealand in every possible way. “The part the United States was playing must give reassurance and confidence to us all,” he said. “Everywhere I met friends who, though they were not citizens of the British Empire, are anxious to help us.”

From what he saw the American production of war material's, much of which, under the Lease and Lend legislation, could be transferred to Britain and the Allies, would soon

reach dimensions almost beyond comprehension. He felt the time had arrived for a vigorous programme of training men to handle various types of tanks that are being produced.

“My conclusion was that the Americans were ready and willing to help train our pensonnel with theirs.” He felt that New Zealand’s position would be greatly improved as a result of the visit which he and Mr. Langstone had made. “Let us direct our minds to one thing,” he concluded. “Let us eliminate any party squabbling and show we are determined to back up our lads on land, at sea and in the air.”