FOOD FOR BRITAIN

Evening Star, Issue 25037, 2 December 1943, Page 4

FOOD FOR BRITAIN

AUSTRALIA'S OBLIGATIONS TO BE FULFILLED

EXTENDED RATIONING FORECAST (Rec. 11.45 a.m.) SYDNEY, Dec. 2. Cheerful Australian acceptance of food rationing has been appealed for by Mr Curtin. Australia, he said, had undertaken to give Britain 35 per cent, of its total butter production and 22 per cent, of its egg production. The Prime Minister warned that serious food shortages would continue despite civilian rationing of many products. Although meat rationing was to be introduced early in the new year production estimates, after allowing for the reduced civilian consumption, were still only 87 per cent, of the total requirements. " The Government is determined that its commitments to Britain and its obligations to the fighting forces will be discharged," declared Mr Curtin.

Discussing Australia's obligations to Britain, the Prime Minister said Australians should remember that Britain supplied Australia with Spitfires and other vital equipment when she herself was in great danger. Commenting editorially on Mr Curtin's statement, the Sydney ' Morning Herald ' says that apart from the immensely increased needs of the fighting services Australia's obligations to Britain have expanded until they have become almost limitless. So far the incidence of rationing upon the Commonwealth has been comparatiyely light, but the paper forecasts ration : ing of other food, besides meat in the new year. "Nor is there anything alarming in this," it adds. "So far we have been among the most fortunate of all the warring nations in supplies of food. That we must make greater sacrifices so that others may share our bounty has long been obvious."