TOTAL WAR.

Evening Star, Issue 23915, 19 June 1941, Page 8

TOTAL WAR.

Ik a speech at Pretoria Field-marshal Smuts said the greatest trials and troubles are still before the Empire. Those are the words of a man of foresight and inner knowledge. They may bo appropriately linked with the impressive statement made by Australia’s Prime Minister. Both of these statesmen realise that the struggle that is proceeding is total war, and that only by the employment of every resource can a malignant and powerful enemy ho defeated. When Mr Mcnzies returned from his comprehensive tour overseas ho emphasised the dangers that threatened the democracies. Admitting that the Comincmvealth’s war effort was commendable he indicated that it was not sufficient. “We have done well,” he said, “ but wo must do more. Wo must keep striving until wc are able to say that so far as lies in our power we are doing as much and sacrificing as much as the beleagured people of the Mother Country.” Three main considerations faco the outlying parts of the Empire. The first is that they are engaged in a terrific struggle for the freedom of the world. Secondly, they are under tho imperative duty of giving all the help of which they are capable to the heroic people of Britain who are going through an ordeal such as the world has never seen before. The third consideration is one of self-protection, for if Britain went down this small dominion, with others, would bo at tho mercy of a triumphant and ruthless enemy’.

It has been estimated that if the war lasts another year Australia will probably have to find at least 000,000 men for her fighting services at home and abroad, plus the huge number of munition and other workers. This in the absence of conscription in the Commonwealth seems a formidable task, but there is no reason to suppose that Australia’s young manhood will shrink from its obligations. In the matter of finance, the Federal Treasurer has announced that by the end of this month the' Commonwealth’s war expenditure will exceed £20,000,000 a month, and the rate of expenditure must continue to increase. Air Faddon added that in the next financial year the expenditure would amount to £250,000,000. The Prime Alinister is emphatic in his contention that enough is not being done, and he reveals his intention to use the powers and functions of the State to intensify the country’s war effort. It is to be an “ all-in ” campaign in which every section of the people and every branch of industry will be called on to contribute their full share. An endeavour is to be made to bring each avenue of production into a coordinated scheme for making the most of the country’s resources. The Government, said Mr Alenzies, would completely disregard “ all sectional interests, business profits, and private comforts ” in support of its plan. It is to bo hoped that under the urge of a great necessity the people will rise to the occasion by realising that unity is necessary to success.