Late News LATEST PACIFIC SITUATION

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 121, 15 February 1941, Page 12

Late News LATEST PACIFIC SITUATION

No Further Worsening Seen ANNOUNCEMENT LN AUSTRALIA

( Received February le. 1.4 a a.m.)

SY 1J XE Y. Februray 14.

Yesterday's senational happenings in connexion with the \\ ar Advisory Council had a rather dull sequel today when, following the meeting of the Australian War Cabinet, the acting Prime Minister. Mr. Fadden, issued a statement saying that the international situation had not deteriorataed further and it did not appear necessary for the \\ ar Cabinet to meet again before next Tuesday, when it would reassemble in Melbourne. Mr. Fadden in a statement earlier today said that the warnings had been regarded as necessary so that everyone might be seized with the need for placing the interests of the nation first. Though the cable messages had disclosed no deterioration in the position it must be recognized as “most serious."

Mr. Fadden added dial during the discussions today the Chiefs of Staffs of the services were present for consultation. "and it was my pleasure to extend an official welcome to Sir Robert Brooke-Popham (Commander-in-Chief in the Far East). Mr. Fadden appealed to the Australian people to concentrate upon their normal work and to discount rumours and await official announcements upon any subject relating to the war from the Government. Mr. Fadden refused to commend on cables from America and Japan which stated that there was no information in those countries of new moves in Ihe Pacific, nor would he give any specific reasons in support of his recent repeated warnings of events which threaten danger to Australia. The Leader of the Labour Opposition, Mr. Curtin, interviewed after the meeting of tlie War Cabinet this evening, said’that the Labour members were in thorough agreement with the warnings and pronouncements of the Government.

The army, navy and air chiefs are returning to (Melbourne tonight. Mr. Fadden and Sir Robert Brooke-Pop-ham will remain in Sydney till Monday night. In the meantime the members of the War Cabinet will remain on call in the event of the international situation worsening.