VEE-DAY PLANS.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 65, Issue 154, 12 April 1945, Page 6

VEE-DAY PLANS.

CELEBRATIONS IN BRITAIN. NOT ON A LARGE SCALE. (Rec. 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Ajpril 11. Plans for Vee-Day are nearly ready, says the “Evening Standard’s” political correspondent. The keynote will be thankfulness rather than boisterousness. The authorities will do nothing to discourage private rejoicings but the official celebrations .will not be on the large scale Avhich some people anticipated. This restrain is to be observed because with Germany’s defeat the war will be only partly over. It is felt that it Avould be unfair to the relatives of many thousands of British troops abroad if plaborate celebrations Avere held. Rejoicings on a full scale will be postponed until the war is really over. The Associated Press understands that the Dominions’ arguments put before British authorities, specially from Australia, Avere largely responsible for the change in the official plans. It was pointed out that there were no celebrations when- the armistice, with Turkey was signed in the last Avar. It was realised that nothing can prevent the Britons “having a fling” Avhen it Avas announced that organised resistance by Germany had ceased, but it Avas feared that too much organised celebrations in which eminent people take part would encourage the running doAvn of the warproduction machinery and general slackening off Avhile there Avas still a formidable force to be beaten. It is believed that the Australian and New Zealand points of vieAV Avere recently forcibly expressed in the Cabinet discussions. There is also some perturbation that recent signs of political conflict might weaken Britain’s co-ordinated effort before Japan is beaten.

Commenting on this tlie Press Association, lobby correspondent says: “The expectation of a quick general election is receding with reports that Conservative and Labour Ministers intend to Avork together until the Germans are finally beaten. The BrackenBevin clash is being dropped for tlie time being, but party politics will probably be continued from platforms.”