PETROL RESTRICTIONS

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23130, 20 September 1940, Page 14

PETROL RESTRICTIONS

TO THE EISITOS OF TSE PHEB3. Sir,—Let me commend “Air Force First" on his remarkable letter of September 16, in which he endeavours to. point but to the public in general (and especially those folk who think only of themselves) the vital necessity for petrol restrictions. ' It is essential that our petrol should be conserved as much as possible for those boys who are willing, if necessary, to make the supreme sacrifice, in order that they, might liberate the world from this menace by which it is threatened; and maintain the freedom and prestige of the British Empire. Let all remember those words so truly written by “Air Force First’ —“Every ounce of petrol will be required, we cannot take chances.” I am sure that to a great section of the community it is only a pleasure (and their war effort) to give up the Setrol which is so vitally needed at [ome. We here in New Zealand do not realise fully what the war really means. Living here in comfort, with no.dread of those fearful air raids, no anxiety for the safety of all round us, no rationing of food, or heavy taxation, which is the burden of all in England, the vast majority of New Zealander's are inclined to imagine themselves' hard-done-by. Only those • who have near and dear ones overseas (here we must praise highly those women who sacrifice in silence their husbands and sons) seem _to realise , how dreadful this conflict is, and that absolute economy, in not only petrol but other commodities, is of first rate importance. In conclusion, may I appeal to all New Zealanders to pause and think a little of those courageous people in the Mother Land, instead of themselves dnly. With this accomplished We shall be helping to win the war.— Yours, etc.. REMEMBER OUR FORCES. September 17, 1940.

TO THJB EDITOB or TPE PBBSS. Sir,—"Commercial User” shows adroitness in endeavouring, to sidetrack thtf point I have raised and betrays an utter lack of appreciation of the seriousness of , the issue. I am as fully aware as he is of the inforrnatipn he gives, but ! cannot agree with some of his conclusions. I am also aware of something "Commercial User” chooses deliberately to' ignore, namely, that as the months go on the Royal Air. Force has to cover a daily, increasing mileage, the total running into astronomical proportions. lam also aware that the Royal Air Force must have fuel-for this and that fuel must be brought to it from overseas. I am aware that some of the ships which carry this fuel have been lost. I am if these oil ships are diverted to countries like this, with more than, the country’s essential needs; then, ■ to the extent of that-unessential cargo, they are wasting time which could be ■ more profitably employed m taking cargb.fbr'the'use of' the- Royal Air. . Force. I am also aware that in addi“ikin'to the stocks it requires for-its programme, the Royal Air -must feuild up stocks all over

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the British Isles '• to provide adequate reserves against enemy damage. To quench the thirsty throat of the Royal Air Force will be required a gradually increasing stream of tankers heading for Britain. I know the enemy would like to- destroy that stream, either by sinking or diverting it away from the war zone. We are learning by trial and error, and- we found a_ghastly error after May 10. The Empire cannot afford even the risk of another error like that, in the heart of the Empire they are building up a punch. That punch must have the resources of the Empire behind it, and those resources mus *. k®, 0 ? “J® soot, not wasted all over the globe on non-essentials.-Y^etc^

September 18, 1940. (This correspondence is now closed. Ed., "The Press."]