CORDIAL WELCOME

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 90, Issue 57, 9 March 1946, Page 3

CORDIAL WELCOME

AMERICAN MINISTER DEEP, LASTING FRIENDSHIP A civic reception to the Hon. Avra M. Warren, Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary of the United States of America, and Mrs Warren, was extended by the Mayor (Mr. W. Appleton) at Wellington. The country had been most fortunate in. the choice of Minister, made by the United States Government, said Mr. Appleton. The task confronting Mr. Warren was no less ' importani and onerous than in the days of Gen. eral Hurley and the Hon. K. Patton. Peace had'brought to the forefront a multitude o£ problems, which had been held over during the war years, when victory was the sole object. In the difficulties of post-war reconstruction, he felt, the United States was prepared not only to pre erve peace but to establish it where it was lacking and to improve also the standard of life acknowledged as the birthright of every citizen. Friendship between the United States and the British Empire must be one of the great est factors to that end. In the future of the Pacific New Zealand would have many matters for settlement with the’ United States, including defence, use of bases, and the matter of reciprocal trade. If the Empire and the United State: could not get along together, then nothing was worth fighting for and the future would be darker than in 1939. Expressing the good wishes of the Government, the Minister of Agriculture (Mr. Roberts) said he felt sure of American co-operation in world affairs, in the interests of Britain, the United States, ard the world at large. WARM AFFECTION Mr. Warren said that he welcomed the opportunity to voice the thought# and feelings of the people of the United States for the people of New

Zealand. They were strong and friendly. Not for nothin"; had thou.ands of American seen inese shores, been taken into homes, and regarded as New Zealanders might their own sons. That warm affection had reached into the cities and towns across the American continent, and continuing personal friendships of New Zealanders trained in the States with men of the United States Army and Navy showed that these contacts were to their liking. Special greetings were extended by Mr. Warren to New Zealand from General Patrick Hurley and General Vandergrif, now commanding the Marine Corps, who had paid glowing tributes to the hospitality and cooperation received from the people of Wellington in the dark days of 1943. Raferring to the abundance of foodstuffs provided by New Zealand, Mr. Warren said that in the present phase of economic disequilibrium, when millions were suffering tnalnutri ion, her denials continued, so that she might give further aid. New Zealand, he said, could be proud not only of her contribution of men and food supplies, but of the outstanding part taken m the establishment of the new world order. No one could fail to admire the constructive activities of the New Zealand representatives at the San Francisco Conference and in London. Their forthrightness and independence of thought and a value that was recognised by all.