TO COMMON CAUSE

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 November 1939, Page 7

TO COMMON CAUSE

DOMINIONS’ CONTRIBUTION

EMPIRE A UNITED FAMILY

[BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.]

(Recd.- Nov. 7, 11.30 a.m.) RUGBY, November 6.

The military as well as economic contribution by. the Dominions to the Allied war effort, includes the mobilisation of ships and naval men, and the rapid expansion of naval construction. The Dominions have undertaken all measures for local defence.

Canada is organising a division, to le available as an expeditionary force if and when required, and is taking steps to have a second division ready. Australia is mobilising militia of 80,000 men, and has raised a special force of 20,000 for service in Australia or overseas. New Zealand has a special force of 6,500 already in training, and South Africa is preparing forces in readiness for any emergency in Africa. Preparations are going forward with the utmost seriousness in South Africa for a possible active share in-the war. There is no lack of volunteers to bring the active citizen force units to war strength, involving the doubling of the peace-time establishment.

In the economic field, the Dominions’ contribution-.is impossible to over-value. Mr. MacKenzie King’s remark, that Canada, besides becoming the traditional granary .of . the Commonwealth, may also become its arsenal. is typical of the value of the Dominions’ contribution to the common cause. Southern Rhodesia and Newfoundland are also contributing handsomely.

AUSTRALIAN MEASURES

Never before has a family of nations been more united than the British Commonwealth is to-day. Mr. Casey, in a broadcast to-night, reviewed Australia’s war measures. He said that Australia was spending ten times as much on defence as five years ago. Her Air Force was rapidly expanding, and her Navy, which he described as an effective force, is working very closely with the Royal Navy. Munitions manufacturing has been built up to produce many types of weapons and ammunition. He added: “The last thing I did before leaving Australia, three weeks ago, was to arrange for the manufacture of some 100 training aircraft for many thousands of new pilots, as part of the great Empire air training scheme. Our munitions not only meet practically all our own requirements, but we can help to supply other British communities. We produce great quantities of wool, wheat, meat, butter sugar, dried fruits, and metals, and all these things we can and will supply to you here, to the limit of our ability.”

DINNER TO DELEGATES

LONDON, November 6

Mr. Churchill dined with the Dominion representatives and Sir Zafrullah Khan. Those present included Lord Halifax, Lord Chatfield, Sir Samuel Hoare, Mr. Hore Belisha, Lord Zetland, and the Duke of Devonshire.