NEW ZEALAND INCLUDED

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 86, Issue 66, 19 March 1942, Page 5

NEW ZEALAND INCLUDED

McARTHUR’S COMMAND (Recd. 11.5.) Washington, March 18. President Roosevelt informed his Press conference that General MacArthur would command all the United Nations in the area west of Sngapore. (This obviously includes New Zealand). Mr. Roosevelt warned that Axis propagandists would picture General MacArthur’s appointment as abandonment of the Philippines. 'He added: “I know that every man and woman in the United States admires, with me, General MacArthur’s determination to fight to the finish with his men in the Philippines. Furthermore, every man and woman is in agreement that all important decisions must be made with a view to the successful termination of the war. I am sure every American, if faced with the question where General MacArthur could be serve his country, could come to only one answer.” JUBILATION IN NEW YORK NEWSPAPER OPINION (Rec. 11.52I 1 .52 p.m.) New York, March 18 The ""Press reflects universal jubilation over General MacAiiur's appointment, which has provided a much-needed fillip to American morale. The New York Daily News, a former Isolationist mouthpiece, which has been a consistent critic of the Administration war policies, sets the keynote with a leader headed: “New Fight! New Hope! Hurrah! MacArthur Takes Over.” The paper gives Mr. Roosevelt full credit for General MacArthur’s appointment. “It is the most wonderful piece of news that could come to Americans. We're sure all America has only heartfelt acclaim for the President’s action, and we add our voice in extending congratulations.” The Times’ front-page headline states: “MacArthur in Australia; Move Hailed as Foreshadowing Turn of Tide.” In a leader, The Times says the appointment will certainly bring enormous heart to the endangered people of Australia. but warns against placing expectations too high. “There’s a limit to the miracles one general can achieve. He must have trained men and equipment. In Australia we want no desperate last stand as at Bataan. We must strikeback offensively from Australia. Whether or not we are able to do this depends on our efforts at home.” The Herald Tribune declares the news carries soberly encouraging implications. “Things are beginning to fit into pattern. MacArthur in Australia, with enough Amreican men anc planes, suggests that the Japanese are about to meet something serious at last. If the convoys sent to Australia have been large that justifies the policy that let the Asiatic Fleet take unavoidable risks in the tragic delaying action of Java. MacArthur’s great abilities as a leader of fighting men is likely soon to have the greatest usefulness.” i EXCELLENT INEWS COMMENT BY MR. NASH (Rec. 11.37 p.m.) New York, March 17. Mr. Walter Nash told the press that General MacArthur’s appointment was excellent news which would be enthusiastically welcomed in New Zealand. Undoubtedly there would be more frequent consultations with Australia, with which country New Zealand got along tremendously well. Probably no two countries got along better. Mr. Nash added that he believed New Zealand would become a main base and its strategic importance was already recognisea. He felt it was logical that the Pacific area should be under an American commander. New Zealanders recognised that they, like the Australians, were in a position of grave peril but were equally resolute and courageously confident.