PLEDGED WORD

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 275, 2 September 1939, Page 4

PLEDGED WORD

BRITAIN'S ACTION ENDORSED. STEPS TAKEN IN NEW ZEALAND. ACTING-PREMIER'S BPOADCAST. > (Per Press Association). WELLINGTON, This Day. The Acting-Prime Minister (the Hon. P. Fraser), in a broadcast at 7 o'clock this morning, said: “Events have moved very rapidly indeed since I made my statement in Parliament shortly after .5 o’clock last evening. It is impossible, of course, to give details of what has been happening, but as one of its first steps the Government arranged for repetition from the New Zealand broadcasting stations throughout the night of news reports from Daventry, and those who have been listening will not need to be told that a situation of great gravity has arisen. “It would appear that without any genuine attempt at negotiation, and, indeed, without allowing the Polish Government any reasonable opportunity of considering the terms that the German Government laid down as the sole condition upon which they would consent to hold their hands, Poland was attacked at an early hour last night. “Throughout the night I have been in close touch with the position and in •constant consultation with those of my colleagues who are principally concerned, with the chiefs of the Naval, Air and General Staffs, and with the officers of the Prime Minister’s Department and the organisation for National Security. During the night all necessary instructions have been given tc meet any contingency. The Orders-in-Council that were passed last night are now in force, and you will read of them in the papers. They have also been extended to the • mandated territory of Western Samoa and to the island dependencies of New Zealand. “From an early hour this morning announcements have been made by the Minister of Defence calling up all regular reservists and portion of iht special reserve (Class HI). Those concerned are asked to listen for this .announcement, which is being repeated at regular intervals. Immediate steps have been taken to establish port examination services to examine and identify all merchant!ships entering tin defended .ports, to man the coastal defences, and to place guards at all vita points. “The people of this Dominion will noi need an appeal to remain calm, but if might be worth while to ask all concerned to await events as they come with resolution and fortitude. Every possible opportunity will he taken, through the press and over the air, to keep the public constantly informed of all reliable news, and all are urged to refrain from believing or repeating rumours ’which may bo expected to flourish at a time like this. The country may rely upon it that every possible step that is required is being taken and that there is no cause whatever for alarm in New Zealand. “The Government has already taken steps to assure his Majesty’s Government in the United Kingdom that the Government and people of New Zealand entirely concur with, and strongly endorse, the steps that are still being taken by Great Britain in her unremitting efforts, even at this late hour, to avoid war and bloodshed, and her determination to honour, her pledged word. I have no doubt whatever that there will be. unanimous approval in this Dominion for the fullest eo-opera-tion in any eventualities with Great Britain and other portions of the British Commonwealth.”