NO OPTION BUT WAR

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 56, 4 September 1939, Page 11

NO OPTION BUT WAR

PLEDGE TO BRITAIN

HZ. WILL DO ITS MRT

STATEMENT BY MR.

J^RASER

. New. Zealand is ready to play her full part in; the fight for democracy, justice, and freedom, said the Acting Prime Minister (the Hon. P. Fraser), in a statement issued last.night on receipt of word that a state of war existed. "This* is not an occasion for man.y words; it is a dark day in the history of the; world," said: Mr. Fraser. "The actions of Germany -left the British Commonwealth no. option but war in defence of the principles of democracy, justice, and freedom. It is with-deep regret and sadness that I make this announcement, on behalf of the Government, and the people will receive it with similar feelings. That will not, however, affect the determination of both Government and people to play their part. ' ' "I would like to pay a tribute to the manner in which the British Government, has consistently and patiently tried to preserve peace. During recent weeks the New Zealand Government has repeatedly, offered the support of this country, to the United Kingdom in the honouring of its pledged word. The Government has reiterated that, pledge again during the night, in a cable to the United Kingdom Government, the text of which is published in the Press, . WORK MUST GO ON. "New Zealand is ready to do its part in assisting Great Britain in the conflict. The people of the Dominion will, I know, throw themselves determinedly into any.and every effort that may be required of them. , "Everything possible has been done to put the country into a state of, preparedness both on the 'civil and the militao sides. I have already given details of what has been done during the past few days in this respect. Statements are being published in the Press today setting out the various additional War Regulations and Orders which the occasion demands.. "There is no need for me to say much more at present. "In the task that lies ahead much will be expected of everyone, and I know that every man and'woman in the Dominion wilt play Ms or her part. "The work and business of the country must go on, along with the added effort which war requires. I am certain that the people of New Zealand, as they have done' in, the past, will respond unitedly at this time when the safety of the Commonwealth and of our very civilisation is at stake."