Radio Digest Episode 105
Part 1. Theme music. Announcer introduces programme items: Anniversary of VE Day, the Battle of the Coral Sea and a New Zealand Observer at United Nations.
On May 8th 1945 at 2.41am (NZ TIME) at General Eisenhower Head Quarters General Alfred Jodl and Grand Admiral Karl Doenitz signed the unconditional surrender of all German forces in Europe. A recording of portion of BBC broadcasts on V.E. Day" Winston Churchill's announcement of the surrender; King George VI speaks on V.E. Day. Walter Nash Acting Prime Minister of New Zealand gives thanks for the end of the war in a broadcast to the New Zealand public.
Also on May 8th was the Anniversary of a Naval Battle that turned Japan's expansion around and proving ground for carrier based aircraft in defensive and offensive tactics. This anniversary has topical interest with the presence of Admiral Kincaid, Naval Commander of the United States Navy in this sector in 1942 as he currently visits Australia and New Zealand. Announcer introduces Dr Dennis, Public Relations Officer of the United Sates Embassy in Wellington to provide an account of the Battle of the Coral Sea. [Interview not available].
Part 2. This is a history of the Coral Sea Battle by Doctor Dennis, Public Relations Officer of the U.S.A. Embassy in Wellington. By early 1942 the Japanese had created a great triangle of Sea Empire. In March 1942 they were planning to extend this area to include the New Hebrides & New Caledonia, which would cut the supply lines from the USA & Canada to Australia & NZ and allow the Japanese to capture Port Moresby. On Tuesday 8 May 1942 a naval battle, the Coral Sea Battle, proved to be the turning point in Japan's expansion tendencies and the proving ground of carrier based aircraft and defence tactics.
Part 3. Since the war ended the establishment of the United Nations organisation has sponsored interns to observe the work they do and return to their own countries and share the information. Miss Jocelyn Hollis who worked for Radio New Zealand is interviewed by a United Nations Radio announcer about her eight week visit to United Nations Radio. She, with thirty other people from all over the world had attended Lake Success as an observer. Jocelyn says her ideas of the United Nations were strengthened by the large and enthusiastic staff at United Nations Radio.