WONDERFUL PATIENCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 49, 26 August 1939, Page 9

WONDERFUL PATIENCE

BRITISH ATTITUDE

AN AUSTRALIAN TRIBUTE

CANBERRA, August 24.

Precautionary defence measures have been taken by the Commonwealth Government.

I The sailing of some large liners for overseas has been cancelled and the Moreton Bay, which left for London today, has been recalled by radio. Safety men have been posted at all large reservoirs and bridges, including the harbour bridge, and the whole of the arsenical supplies have been commandeered. The Prime Minister, Mr. Menzies, said that these measures had been taken on the principle that it was better to be sure than sorry. He urged the people to remain calm and assured them that the defence machinery was working perfectly. He added that powerful influences abroad were working for peace, and the best contribution the Australian public could make was to go about their affairs in a normal fashion. The information he had from overseas did not warrant a proclamation declaring the existence of a "danger of war."

In a broadcast statement tonight Mr. Menzies declared that the absorption of Poland would lead to attacks on the smaller European countries on one ground and another until a vast dominion of force was established. Australia, he said, was involved by pledges to Britain and France, because, in plain English, a defeat of Britain would be the destruction or defeat of the British Empire.

"I say with full knowledge of all tlie official communications that the conduct of these matters by the British Government has been characterised by wonderful patience, great self-control, and a genuine desire for peace," said Mr. Menzies. "Australia must co-operate in the most effective way with the other British countries, honouring the great British guarantee."