N.Z. COMMITMENTS

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 87, Issue 208, 3 September 1943, Page 5

N.Z. COMMITMENTS

USE OF TH.• FORCES STATEMENT BY MR. FRASER. (P.A.) New Plymouth, Sept. 2. Reference to a statement by Mr. Holland on New Zealand’s man-power commitments was made by Mr. Fraser in his speech last night. “We have never claimed that we could maintain a division in the Middle Eas|j or Europe and alsckkeep our men in the Pacific indefinTtely,” Mr. Fraser said. “This question is constantly under review, and has been the subject of consultation with Mr. Churchill and Mr. Roosevelt. “I wish to emphasise that we have taken steps to ensure that, we are not over-committed,” continued the Prime Minister. “It has been made clear that eventually one division must be used to reinforce the other. Perhaps, should our force in the Mediterranean go into Europe, our troops in the Pacific will be us 3d to strengthen the Second Division. But all that is in the future. “Mr. Holland's statement is incorrect. not to use a harsher term. If it becomes a widespread belief it will be a defeatist policy. We pledge New Zealand's resources to the limit and with efficiency to fight with the other British forces and the United Nation® till victory is won.”