The Evening Star MONDAY, MAY 27, 1940. REASSURING

Evening Star, Issue 23586, 27 May 1940, Page 6

The Evening Star MONDAY, MAY 27, 1940. REASSURING

There was much in the Prime Minister’s broadcast last night to commend it to the people of this Dominion, who are alive to the dangers with which the Empire is faced. Mr Fraser made it clear that he realised fully that everything the British people have fought ■for and tenaciously held down tho centuries is at stake. “We know our cause is right,” said the Prime Minister, “ and it would be better to pass out of existence than to be subservient to a tyrant who is overrunning Europe like a wild beast out of the jungle.” The Government has been moved to modify its policy and principles by the pressure of events. It was not an easy thing to do, having regard to Labour’s repeated declarations of policy before 1935 and afterwards. In changing its old clothes for new, the Government was faced with various complications. There was throughout the country an insistent demand for conscription and for the formation of a National Government. In this connection the Prime Minister waxed indignant at the part the Press had taken in the agitation. It is to be regretted that he showed himself to be so sensitive on this matter. So far as the great majority of the newspapers are concerned there was no attempt or intention to malign the Government or impede its war effort in any way. On the contrary, there was no general criticism of what had been done. The aim—and a legitimate one—was to stir the Government to further action by the introduction of measures that would place the whole of the resources of the country at the immediate disposal of the Government,

Mr Fraser himself applauded the actions of the British Cabinet, which included the introduction of conscription and the formation of a National Government in a real sense. It was not unreasonable, therefore, to suppose that the same course would be followed here. The plan to be adopted, as explained by the Prime Minister, is a compromise. It embraces the conscription of the civil, military, and financial resources of the Dominion, “as they are required.” That is reassuring provided there is a true realisation of the requirements, followed by vigorous action. The Government will be helped by the advice of the War Council which is to be formed under the new arrangements. It will include representatives of the Opposition, industrial employers, trades unions, and farmers* in addition to Cabinet Ministers associated with the war effort. If these sections work harmoniously together in the common cause, as no doubt they will, good results should bo achieved. The final decisions will rest with Cabinet. It is a pity that the suggestions for the establishment of a National Government were not accepted. The creation of such a body would have no advantages for the National Party, which would share the blame of any mistakes that were held to bo made, while the power of decision would remain with the Labour Ministers. The country would gain by the inclusion of experienced ex-Ministers in the Cabinet, and the only other gainer would be Labour itself. In view of the possibility of a National Government yet being formed it would be a mistake to increase the number of members in the present Cabinet by the inclusion of another Labour member in the House of Representatives.

If the Government’s decision does not go the whole way that many people desire, the Prime Minister has made it quite clear where the Government stands in the matter of resisting and crushing the Nazi tyranny. Mr Fraser said that all forms of property and institutions will, “ as wefl as every person in the Dominion,” be at the disposal of the country. Cabinet’s determination is reinforced by the resolution of the Parliamentary Labour Party affirming its determination to do all in its power to prosecute the war to a successful conclusion, and pledging itself to support every measure, of whatever kind, necessary to attain that end. There is no equivocation hero. It should encourage the Government to pursue with vigour what Mr Fraser describes as the “ allin ” policy. Unity of will and purpose by all sections of the people of this country is the imperative need.