Protest at “Dangerous Statements”

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 173, 25 July 1939, Page 12

Protest at “Dangerous Statements”

WAR IN AUGUST MR. SAVAGE SAYS ALLEGATIONS ARE BASELESS WELLINGTON, July 24. commenting on a report from' Dunedin that the Government had been warned that war was likely in August or September, the Prime Minister, the, Rt. Hon. M J. Savage, to-day made a most emphatic protest against such : baseless allegations. “It is a dangerous and mischievous, statement,” he said. “Everybody knows what the state of the world is today; everybody who reads the newspapers knows as much as the Ministers know of the general situation. No-one knows what the future has in store, but here is a definite statement from Dunedin that war is coming in Augusi or September. It is not in the interests of the country, and it is not in the interests of peace. It is a statement that no-one should be allowed to make, J don’t know if the law covers it, but I state that no-one should be allowed to make it. “The statement is anonymous, but that does not make it any less dangerout. Most people who do think about world conditions, and New Zealand 1 conditions in particular will refrain from making such statements because they are so dangerous.” That the New Zealand Government had been advised by the Imperial Government to prepare for war in August or September and that woollen and boot-manufacturing companies in the Dominion were working at full pressure to cope with increased Government contracts were made by a southern businessman on Saturday. The statement that the New Zealand Government had been advised by thq Home Government to prepare for war in the danger months after harvest was given some confirmation by another Otago manufacturer, who stated that “major crisis” was the term used in the warning, instead of the more ominous and definite “war.” “No, I’m sorry; we can’t give any details of contracts or figures,” said one businessman connected with q manufacturing firm. “Woollen companies are regarded by the Government os ‘naughty’ boys after the last bit of publicity about contracts, and I think It would be unwise for us to give any information about the present position, not that it was we who gave the details last time,” he added. The result of the pressure of Government work cn woollen mills is that private consumers are suffering. Mills are unable to meet deliveries and have been compelled either to ration distribution to clients or to advise them that they cannot make delivery till several months hence. This means that many retailers will be without the Dominion made line, and will not be able to import substitute stocks on account of restrictions.