MISCHIEVOUS REPORTS.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LXI, Issue 126, 30 April 1941, Page 6

MISCHIEVOUS REPORTS.

IlKroitTS which are calculated to harm the Empire, sent from Australia to the United States and to Japan suggesting disunity in the Commonwealth, have met with a prompt refutation from the Acting-Prime Minister and from the Leader of the Federal Labour Party. The statements, which are of a most mischievous type, have apparently arisen from recent criticism in the Commonwealth relating to the war im Greece, and they bring into prominence suggestions that there is labour unrest and political strife. To those who are aware of the true position this propaganda is not only absurd but vicious, for it can have but. one effect only in the United States —to strengthen the forces that are working for Germany and against the greatest of American help for Britain —and in Japan it will be a weapon for the Axis sympathisers to forge against Britain. It would seem that in permitting these statements to be sent to the Press of both these countries the Australian censor was either neglectful of his duty or else timid of the consequences of suppressing them. Mr Curtin has been most vigorous in his denunciation of the reflections upon Australian Labour which is pulling its weight in the war effort, many unions having given a promise to avoid industrial unrest so long as the war lasts, a spirit which is to be commended most heartily to certain New ~Zealand unions.