FAR EAST MOVES

Grey River Argus, 7 February 1941, Page 7

FAR EAST MOVES

Bring War Nearer [Aus. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] MELBOURNE, February 6. Warnings that Australia is entering upon a period wherein her very existence is at stake, were given by the acting-Prime Minister (Mr. J'. A. Fadden) and the Leader of the Opposition (Mr. J. Curtin), after a meeting of the Advisory War Council. Mr. Fadden disclosed that there were proposals to step up the defence activities, particularly in relation to the protection of Australia from enemy attack, and to obtain the maximum industrial effort in munitions production and other war industries. The Council had made a searching review of Australian defence measures to meet any emergency which might arise. ‘ Mr. Curtin said that the trend of the war was to come increasingly closer to Australia, and that the responsibility was devolving on the whole people of Australia. He urged the maximum industrial effort on behalf of Australia, and said frankly that delays in munition production, ship construction and repairs, and the construction of aircraft were adding to the difficulties of the Navy and Air Force.