Canberra, Mar, 19.
Mr. A. W. Fadden, acting Prime Minister, today announced that seven United States naval vessels would reach Sydney on Thursday for a three-day stay. The visit to Sydney was kept a close secret until today.
This squadron is as entirely different unit from the one now at Auckland, New Zealand, which is composed of six U.S, naval vessels.
"The American squadron which is to visit Sydney comprises the cruisers Chicafo and Portland and the destroyers Clark, Cassin, Conyngham, Downes and Reid.
Their visit was described as a training cruise, although the Australian Government regarded it as an extraordinarily significant development in the Pacific.
"Mr. Fadden, in his announcement, said that the "visit will be an inspiration to Australia, which will welcome the representatives of a nation which, through its leader, President Roosevelt, has plainly declared to the world that they are our friends in this war."
The Navy Minister, Mr, W. M. Hughes, hailed the visit as a sign of "goodwill and friendly encouragement from the people of a great republic to Australia."
Mr. J. Curtin, leader of the opposi" tion in Parliament, seid that the "presence of these ships will be a timely and practical demonstration of the force of President Roosevelt's words."
Elaborate preparations have been made to welcome the American squadron. Parliament will recess on Thursday to enable officials to join the crowds welcoming the vessels. Thursday also will be a holiday for schools and the public, American sailors will be given the freedom of the city and lavish entertainments have been planned.—United Press.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.