WAR STRATEGY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 1, 2 January 1943, Page 5

WAR STRATEGY

AUSTRALIA DISAGREES EMPHASISED BY CURTIN’S STATEMENT (By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright) (Recd. 9.5’p.m.) Canberra, Dec. 31. The Australian disagreement with the United Nations’ war strategy, which may permit Japan’s consolidation of her Pacific gains, has been emphasised by a statement by Mr. J, Curtin. Australia for months has been pressing unsuccessfully for a major Allied offensive against Japan, he declared. While the Allies delayed japan's power to resist was being built up. “There is no doubt Japan is consolidating her gains,” he said. “Japan’s strength must not be allowed to grow. As it grows it becomes an added rampart lor the Axis as a whole. The

war in the Pacific is at a crucial stage. 1 cannot outline what appears to be ahead—that would only profit the enemy.”

Mr. Curtin warned Australians that some dark shadows lay across the New Year and that failure in the face of an enemy who had no regard for the Christian way of life would mean

“a memorial tablet written in slavery.”

Referring to suggestions that the Government had not been very enthusiastic about Britain’s gift of the cruiser Shropshire, Mr. Curtin said:— “The gift of the Shropshire was a most gracious gesture. It came spontaneously from Great Britain to alleviate the losses our small naval force had suffered. As I said on September 8, the gift symbolises the unbreakable unity between this country and the Mother Country.” Mr. Curtin’s comments, which were solicited, not volunteered, are held to be a reiteration of the attitude expressed in a statement made by him in the House of Representatives on December 10, when he said:—“Mr. Churchill and President Roosevelt were unable fully to accept the views of the Australian Government on Pacific strategy and the provision of forces and supplies sought. However, they gave certain assurances and practical support for which the Government is deeply grateful, and it felt bound to accept their conclusions in the spirit of united comradeship.”