WAR COUNCIL’S MEETING

Press, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 23538, 16 January 1942, Page 6

WAR COUNCIL’S MEETING

DISCUSSIONS REVIEWED BY MR FRASER

DEFENCE MEASURES IN PACIFIC

(P.A.) WELLINGTON. January 15. In a statement on the meeting of the War Council, the Prime Minister (the Rt. Hon. P. Fraser) said that the council had received a full statement of the action which had been taken by the Government since the outbreak of hostilities with Japan. Chiefs of staffs who were present gave a full explanation of the strategic policy of the associated Powers in the Pacific, and referred to detailed measures which had been takqp for the defence of the Dominion and certain British interests in the Pacific. The council considered recommenda. tions made by the Primary and Industrial Production Committee, which had met earlier, regarding the provision of labour for the harvest, steps to be taken to arrange the transport of linen flax from farms to factories, and measures which might be taken to alleviate the disturbance of essential industries and services in view of the mcbilisation of the Territorials and the National Military Reserve. Full consideration was given, said the Prime Minister by the council to recommendations which the committee made regarding the exercise of compulsory cowers to provide personnel for vital Emergency Precautions Services.

Recommendations were also submitted to the council by the Defence and Military Affairs Committee regarding the organisation and future employment of the National Military Reserve and the Home Guard, particularly in relation to the territorials, which provide the first line units for the defence of the Dominion. The council also considered a recommendation which had been made by this committee regarding the granting of leave to members of the military forces. “Recommendations which have been made by the council will be considered by the War Cabinet as soon as possible,” said Mr Fraser, who expressed appreciation of the services rendered by members of the council.