FINAL STEPS TAKEN

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 59, Issue 275, 2 September 1939, Page 6

FINAL STEPS TAKEN

BRITAIN’S DEFENSIVE MEASURES MUCH BETTER THAN IN 1914. ' ASSURANCE BY THE PREMIER. (United Press Association—Copyright.) (Received This Day, 12.45 a.in.) LONDON, September 1. “Yesterday we took further stops toward the completion of our defensive preparations. This morning we l ordered the complete mobilisation of the whole of the Navy, Army and Air Force. We have also taken a number of other measures,, both at home and abroad, which the House will 'not, perhaps, expect me to specify in detail. Briefly, they represent the final steps in accordance with prearranged plans. These last'can he put into force rapidly, and are of such a nature that they can bo deferred until war seems inevitable. “Steps have also been taken, under the powers conferred by the House last week, to safeguard the portion of stocks of commodities of various kinds. “The thoughts of many of us must, at this moment, inevitably be turning back to 1914, and to a comparison of our position now with that which existed then. “How do we stand this time? The answer is that all three, services are ready, and the situation in all directions is far more; favourable and reassuring than in 1914, while behind the fighting services we have built up a vast organisation of civil defence under our scheme' of air raid precautions. “As regards immediate manpower requirements, the Navy, Army and Air Force arc in the fortunate position of having almost as many men as they can conveniently handle at this moment. There are, however, certain categories of service in which are immediately required for both military and civil defence. These will be announced in detail through the Press and the 8.8.C.’’