SECRET ACTION

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 58, Issue 303, 4 October 1938, Page 5

SECRET ACTION

MOBILISATION OF ITALIANS. TOTAL OF 800.000 RESERVISTS. CIVILIANS NOT ALARMED. (United Press Association—Copyright.; (Received This Day, 10.25 a.m.) ROME, October 3. The newspapers disclose that Italy secretly mobilised 800,000 reservists during the crisis, making 1,400,000 under arms They point out the smoothness of the mobilisation methods, enabling the troops to move without alarming the civilian population. The reservists are now being demobilised. THE FRENCH MOBILISATION. ONE-THIRD OF TIME OF 1914, (Received This Day, 10.25 a.m.) PARIS, October 3. Although, it is claimed that mobilisation proved that the French army can bo mobilised in one-third of the time taken in 1914, nevertheless, the cost was £40.000,000 including requisitions, among which were thousands of motorcars. Demobilisation is being carried out on the lines of family' men first. “UTTER DELUSION REVEALED” INTERNATIONAL GUARANTEE'S (Received This Day, 10 a.m.) BELGRADE, October 3. The Jugoslav press is unanimous that the Munich agreement marks the end of international solidarity as 'Czechoslovakia was encouraged to resist and then left to her fate, revealing the utter delusion of international guarantees and collective security. DANGER OF HITLERISM. BRITISH AND FRENCH DEFENCE. RENDERED MORE DIFFICULT. LONDON, October 2. Many prominent people, including Lord Meston and Lord Cecil and a number of members of the House of Commons, have issued a statement referring to Czechoslovakia’s sacrifice. It is claimed that the enormous increase in power of the Hitlerite State has rendered the defence of France and Britain more difficult. It is added that “ Czechoslovakia’s surrender has brought us within reach of a Power which has hitherto scorned the principles of morality and justice on which Western civilisation is founded.” FRENCH TRIBUTE TO CHAMBERLAIN. I LONDON, October I. Mr and Mrs Chamberlain were warmly’cheered as they left London for Chequers. Mr Chamberlain requested the authorities to present to the hospitals the bouquets given to him. The Versailles Town Council has made Mr Chamberlain an honorary citizen. * A French newspaper suggests that war-time municipalities should name one street “Neville Chamberlain.” . Mr Bernard Docker, chairman of the Westminster Hospital, made a gift of £IOOO for the endowment of a bed in the new hospital as a peace gesture. The Lambeth branch of the Labour Party has sent the following letter to the Prague Trades Council: — “We ask you to assure the workers of Prague of the shame and horror that the British working class feels for the betrayal of Czechoslovakia and the peace which Mr Chamberlain perpetrated in our name. “We shall redouble our efforts to drive this man and all he represents from public life.” MR CHAMBERLAIN’S PART. CONGRATULATIONS AT AUCKLAND. SOME DIVISION OF OPINION. AUCKLAND, October 3. Though a meeting of more than 1000 citizens in the , Auckland Town Hall at midday carried with enthusiasm a resolution expressing wholehearted congratulations to Mr Chamberlain for his efforts in the international crisis, it was evident that opinion was somewhat divided on the question. Before the meeting a group ot men bearing banners whose captions included “Hitler thanked Chamberlain. Why should you?” attempted to parade in Queen Street, but were stopped by the police. There was something of a. sensation also at the meeting when, alter the Mayor (Sir Ernest Davis), Archbishop Averill, and Bishop Liston had spoken in support of a resolution of eulogy, Mr R. Armstrong, a member of the City Council, moved an amendment expressing relief that the immediate prospect ot hostilities had been avoided, hut stating that he could not whole-heartedly endorse the methods resorted to and demanding that no further concession be made to “Fascist Germany.” There were interjections from various parts of the hall, and the Mayor asked that the speaker be given an opportunity of expressinghimself. The amendment was defeated by I an overwhelming majority, and the I Mayor’s resolution was carried by I

acclamation, only a small body dissenting. A mooting of 600 residents at Hamilton, called by the Mayor (Mr H. D. Caro), expressed appreciation to All Chamberlain for his efforts for peace. After the meeting Air F. A. do la Mare commenced another meeting, at which about 30 attended, expressing •sympathy with the Czechs and no confidence in the British foreign policy. WAR RISK INSURANCE. WELLINGTON, October 3. Advice has been received from London that war risk insurance, United Kingdom to New Zealand, has been fixed at 5s per cent., and New Zealand to the United Kingdom at 10s per cent. Both are subject to an additional 2s 6d per cent, if by way of the Alediterranean Sea.