MR. FRASER'S REPLY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20257, 27 May 1940, Page 6

MR. FRASER'S REPLY

UNITED EFFORT NEEDED (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. In reply to the Hon. A. Hamilton’s representations about the war situation on Friday, the Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, stated: — “With regard to the discussions on Friday last between ’ yourself, the Rt. Hon. J. G. Coates, the Minister of Defence, the Hon. F. Jones, and myself, the Government recognises that the present conditions in Western Europe, which have developed with such unforeseen rapidity, are of extreme gravity to the British Commonwealth. “The Government has consistently without qualification made every possible contribution to the war effort and again affirms that nothing that can be done to help Britain must be left undone to still further ensure this. “The Government proposes to set up at once a representative War Council to take charge of the war activities. It is proposed that the members of the War Council shall consist of a Cabinet Minister associated with the war effort, representatives of the Opposition, industrial employers, trade unions, and farmers. The powers necessary to keep the Dominion’s war effort at its maximum will be given to the War Council as occasions demand. Joint sessions of the Cabinet and War Council will be held. “The Government has decided to introduce measures providing for the whole resources of the Dominion being made available as when and where required for the prosecution of the war. “The Government fully appreciates the necessity for united effort and that the objective over everything else must be the defence of the Dominion and complete co-operation with Britain to carry on the war. If any additional steps are necessary they will be taken.”