WAR ITEMS

Grey River Argus, 1 August 1940, Page 7

WAR ITEMS

[British Official Wireless] (Received July 31, 5.5 p.m.) RUGBY, Jtily 31

Necessary war-time restrictions are imposing a certain limitation on accustomed delights of performances in the Regents Park open-air theatre, but have not seriously affected its great attraction for people of London “It is no longer possible, after dark, to show the dawn coming up over Athenian giades with rosy fingers, that, in fact, a lamp lit,” laments one critic, “but,” he continues, “the summer day is fortunately long enough for two performances to he given in natural light.” The ieopening, despite war-time difficulties, of this theatre, which had been one of the happiest theatrical initiatives of recent years in London, and the overcoming of special lighting a-v.i other problems which have arisen, is warmly welcomed in the press. Sir J. Dill, Chief of the Imperial General Staff, was received in audience by the King this evening. Answering a question in the House of Commons, the War Secretary said that French, Polish, Czech, Dutch, Norwegian and Belgian units were being organised in Britain, and any friendly aliens who did not join any of the national forces might join the auxiliary military pioneer corps, in which a number were already serving.

At its first meeting since the war, the Straits Settlement Association, which represents all races, and what may be called the “unofficial community,” unanimously approved a message of loyalty to, the King, expressing a determination “Uy every means in our power to take every measure necessary to bring victory for his cause, which is also our cause and the cause of humanity.” Residents of Nassau, in the Bahamas, formed a War Materials Committee to gather scrap metals for Hie British Government. More than two thousand pounds worth of lead, copper, brass and other materials have been collected already. Numerous wrecks found round the islands are being salved, and the metals from them cut up.

Replying to Parliamentary quesLons to-day on the subject of the transhipment of internees from Canada and Australia, Mr Peaks, the Under-Secretary for Home Affairs, said that there was no risk of confusion between prisoners of war and internees, as all information relating to both classes of internees and individuals had been sent to the Dominions. Different categories were put in different ships. Mr Peaks also said that arrangements were being made for consulta--I,’on with Dominion Governments for the return of those internees whoserelease could properly be authorised/