VIEW IN AUSTRALIA

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 39, 15 February 1941, Page 12

VIEW IN AUSTRALIA

INTERNATIONAL SITUATION

STILL VERY SERIOUS

(By Teleerapb—Press Association—Copyright.)

SYDNEY, February 14.

Yesterday's sensational happenings in connection with the War 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 deteriorated further and it did not appear necessary for the War 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 recognised as "most serious."

Mr. Fadden added that 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 (Commanderin Chief in the far East)." WARNING AGAINST RUMOURS. 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 comment on cables from America and Japan which stated that there was no information in those countries of new moves in the 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 the 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.