"STRAIGHT TALK”

Evening Star, Issue 24079, 27 December 1941, Page 8

"STRAIGHT TALK”

AUSTRALIAN PRIME MINISTER HUNDRED PER CENT. WAR EFFORT (Rec. 8 a.m.) CANBERRA, Dec. 26. In what he described as “ a straight talk,” the Prime Minister, in a national broadcast, to-night told the people that the Government would'from time to time make such decisions as were considered vital for the security of the Commonwealth, The time for appeals had gone. “We arc all in danger. No part of tiie Australian coast is invulnerable.” continued Air Curtin. “ If Australia is attacked by Japan certain populous centres will bo bombed and circumstances will arise where people can give valuable in formation to tho nearest military commander, but the greatest care must be taken that such information is authentic. There is no need for panic. War has conic to Australia, and people must conduct themselves accordingly. No person, whatever his place or power, will be permitted to hamper the war effort. There must be no qualified war effort, which must be 100 per cent, on everybody’s part.” Mr Curtin pointed out that the recent Premiers’ conference began and ended in a spirit of national unity, tho Premiers of all States undertaking to work in tho closest co-operation with tho Commonwealth, thus ensuring the maximum production of war materials and equipment, together with a vigor- . ons defence of the country. The Australian Government, too. was playing a | prominent part in the settim: up of a Far Eastern War Council, which would make on the spot decisions in regard to the conduct of tiie waisin bbo Pacific.