DEFENCE POLICY

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 118, 12 February 1941, Page 8

DEFENCE POLICY

Views Of Australian Labour Party

GUARDING SINGAPORE

(By Telegraph—Press Assn.—Copyright.) (Received February 11, 11.45 p.m.) SYDNEY, February 11.

'Addressing an Australian Workers’ Union convention in Sydney today, the Federal Labour leader, Mr. Curtin, emphasized the seriousness of the war situation. He said the Australian Labour Party accepted fully complete obligation to ensure the maximum capacity of its people and the country to resist invasion or attack.

-The Labour Party is not asking for the recall of any of our men from abroad,” Mr. Curtin continued, “but we are asking, in view of what the next few weeks may bring forth, that the paramount principle in the reorientation of the Australian military, naval and air forces shall be the defence of this part of the Empire. The fact that Britain is so sorely beset involves reconsideration of the whole strategy for the defence of the British Commonwealth of Nations. Above all, we must ensure that land forces are available sufficient to prevent a back-door entrance to Singapore.” Mr. Curtin then appealed for fuller recognition of the part the workers were playing. He said that while he had not sought to take advantage of (he war to seek a new social order, he held strongly that employers must not be allowed to take advantage of the war to perpetuate the existing social order. Wages were more important than dividends. Vested interests would have to become the handmaiden of the future happiness and welfare of the whole Australian people. The wealthy classes could afford to give more of their substance.