AUSTRALIA’S DECREE

Grey River Argus, 18 February 1942, Page 5

AUSTRALIA’S DECREE

Premier’s Fighting Speech

[Aust. & N.Z. Cable Assn.] (Rec. 9.5.; SYDNEY, Feb. 17. The complete mobilisation of all of Australia’s resources, both human and material, for the defence of the Commonwealth, was ordered to-day by the War Cabinet. ‘The Prime Minister (Hon. J. Curtin), made the announcement in a stirring speech at the launching of the “Liberty” war loan of £35,000,000. The Prime Minister said: “Every human in this country is now, whether he or she likes it or not, at the service of the Government. "Every material thing—money, machinery, plant, whatever it may be—must, on the immediate direction of the Government, be diverted to the purpose of the war. That is clearcut and specific,” he exclaimed. He added: “The enemy rests upon a totalitarian basis, using everything. This country, therefore, will use everything in resistance. We have reached a stage when a new way of life is impelled on us all. Leisure must now be devoted to the service of our fellow men. There is nobody who has not something to give, who has not some work to perform, who cannot find some service useful, in some way or other.” Mr Curtin said that he would eschew post mortems, and he would not allow any others to continue to dispute whether mistakes had been made; or whether this thing or that had been done rightlv or wrongly. That chapter of controversy had ended.

“Only two things stood between Australians and the overthrow of everything that they had, or might hope to have, namely, the heroism and fighting prowess of the men who went forward into battle, and the Industry, zeal and devotion, of the men and women who remained behind.” Revealing that the “Victory” loan was already more than half full, Mr Curtin declared: “No longer shall this Government appeal ! It will order and direct!” The speech was lustily cheered. It was also broadcast to the whole nation. Hon F. M. Forde, the Minister for the Army said: It is th e considered view of the Commonwealth Government that the situation In the Pacific is capable, of control. The Government is doing its utmost. There is no need and no time for dismay, although it would be foolish to try and conceal from the people the gravity of the situation. Australians’ existence depends on their working or fighting. ■ "NO SURRENDER.” SYDNEY, Feb. 17. A pollcv of “no surrender,” in the most-literal sense of the term, is likelv to be nut before the people of Australia bv the Federal Government. after the fateful meetings of Cabinet and War Council in Sydney to-day and to-morow. says the “Herald.”