Civilian Lire In Dominion Must Go On War Footing

Northern Advocate, 12 December 1941, Page 6

Civilian Lire In Dominion Must Go On War Footing

MR. FRASER SAYS—

Will Live Up To Britain’s Example

[Per Press Association. —Copyright]

WELLINGTON, This Day. “THE DOMINION MUST GO ON A WAR FOOTING, NOT 1 ONLY IN RESPECT OF THE FIGHTING SERVICES -BUT IN CIVILIAN LIFE AS WELL, AND WE MUST AT ONCE FACE THE FACT THAT THIS WILL INVOLVE TO ALL OF US MANY INCONVENIENCES AND PERHAPS HARDSHIPS WHICH WE MUST PREPARE OURSELVES TO FACE TO MEET THE EMERGENCY.”

This assertion was made by the Prime Minister in the course of a statement on the war situation when the House met at 7.30 p.m. yesterday.

The abrupt conclusion of negotiations between the United States and Japan by an obviously long-premeditated, carefullyplanned and treacherous attack on Pearl Harbour precipitated an actue war situation in the Pacific, said Mr. Fraser, and in this New Zealand became immediately and closely involved. In common with the United Kingdom and United States, Australia, Canada and South Africa, the Netherlands East Indies, Free France and other nations, New Zealand was at war with Japan.

The most regrettable loss of the battleship Prince of Wales and the battle cruiser Repulse, as well as losses sustained by the United States navy and air force, together with attacks on Malaya, Hongkong and other British and United States’ territories must have brough home to everyone in the country the extent and imminence of the danger that threatens New Zealand and all other Pacific democratic countries.

Changing- Daily

“The War Cabinet is watching every aspect of the situation and is constantly in session,” Mr. Fraser added.

"It is in the closest touch on one hand with events abroad and on the other with the chiefs of staff of the armed services and civil departments responsible for war measures. Plans already prepared were immediately put into operation on the outbreak of war with Japan. Further necessary steps have been taken and additional action will follow to meet each new set of circumstances.

The training of the Home Guard for their functions under this plan so as to familiarise the units concerned with the actual tasks they are to perform in case of an emergency has been in operation for some time, and will immediately be intensified.” Mr. Fraser added that the Home Guard had already been supplied with a substantial number of automatic weapons and, as soon as possible, to increase this number the necessary action would be taken.

The situation is changing dailytoday it is radically different from yesterday, Mr. Fraser added. It was impossible to publish all the details cf steps taken to meet the emergency and further details would be given members at a secret session that night. However, for the information of the public, he would tell them that garrisons had been increased and preparations made for eventualities.

E.P.S. Organisation

To meet a possible attack on New Zealand, the number of troops permanently mobilised at strategical points was immediately increased. Units of the National Reserve and Territorials were called up and some of these troops were already in position. The entry of Territorials into annual training camps had been advanced from January 10 to December 15 and succeeding days. All army leave had been cancelled except for Expeditionary Reinforcements, arrangements for which had already been made. Vehicle Impressment

Mr. Fraser also stated that the Emergency Precautions Scheme organisation was most important in the present circumstances, and he wished to emphasise the necessity for all E.P.S. members keeping instantly available. It was imperative that E.P.S. members should be able to assume duty immediately if an emergency arose. Mr. Fraser advised local authorities immediately to overhaul their plans, and get everything in working order.

He added that the work of the Women’s War Service Auxiliary was clearly becoming more extensive and important. Increased members were required in both E.P.S. and W.W.S.A. and it was the plain duty of every man and woman to join up with tlie appropriate organisation anti

prepare themselves to do their part when the country may be

fighting for its existence, and when the lives of every man,

Impressment of vehicles for Army mobility along the lines decided on previously was proceeding as fast as was necessary at the moment, but would be speeded up if needed urgently.

woman and child may be in dan-

Considerable alteration in normal life and work must be expected, said Mr. Fraser, after stating that the Dominion must go on a war footing. Cancel Holiday Trips

The air force, already fully mobilised, was standing by ready for action in an emergency and all possible measures were being taken by the Royal New Zealand Navy. Function of Home Guard

The public were urged, wherever

possible, to remain at home during the holiday period and, wherever

this could be done without serious

Dealing with the duties of the Home Guard, Mr. Fraser said the task ol the Guard was defensive and he could not overstate its importance to the Dominion.

inconvenience, arrangements already made for travelling should be cancelled.

“In the initial states of emergency it is intended that forward static positions will be held by territorials and National Reserve units with the Home Guard available to reinforce them if necessary, but, as the gravity of the situation increases, the Home Guard will take over this duty from the Territorials and National Reserve, which will then be withdrawn from their positions in readiness to meet the mainthrust of the enemy. Important Role

The Government desires strongly to discourage unnecessary travelling at Christmas or during the period of crisis, and, in this connection, was considering the desirability of cancelling forthwith or drastically reducing all excursion trains and other special means of travelling.

For that purpose, in particular, he could not too strongly urge all members of the E.P.S. and similar organisations to remain at their post. Conserve Petrol

This plan is intended to provide for the widest distribution of forces to meet an initial attack, and, at the same time, to permit the concentration cl' more highly trained and mobile units to deal with enemy concentrations wherever they may be found.

In time of need there must also, he said, be a drastic curtailment in the use of petrol for unnecessary purposes. The Government had this matter under careful consideration and proposed to announce its decisions this week if possible. In the meantime all motorists were strongly urged to conserve petrol in their possession by refraining from using their cars except for necessary purposes.

Again it might prove necessary to intensify provisions for the black-out, and he urged the public at once to prepare themselves for such steps in this direction as the Government might at an early date indicate where necessary. Stressing the need for the continuation of production, Mr. Fraser said it was essential that certain war production continue throughout the holiday period without a break. War Industry The undertakings concerned would be advised of the Government’s wishes and, in any case, employers and workers in all industries concerned with the Dominion’s war effort were urged to work together for the common good and intensify their production to the utmost of their ability. It was imperative that everyone should realise the necessity, for his own protection, of complete compliance with all safety measures, said Mr. Fraser. Regulations and instructions were not lightly made or issued, and he must make it plain that when requirements were laid down it was the intention of the Government to enforce them rigorously. All were urged to co-operate in these matters and he must make it plain (hat breaches of requirements would be penalised automatically. There would be many inconveniences to be met, he said. For instance, the troops now being mobilised were being called at very short notice, and they might, perhaps, find that preparations for their reception were not quite adequate or not completely ready. People from whom motor vehicles were required for public use were, in this way, being asked to make their

personal sacrifices for the general welfare, and those who were disappointed in missing their holidays were making their sacrifice also. Rise to Occasion “I know our people never show to better advantage than in emergency,” said the Prime Minister. “We are facing an emergency now and I call on the people to rise to the emergency with cheerfulness and courage. “Everything must give way to national interests in present circumstances and, if all play their pai't, as I know they will, then all in the end will be well. “I cannot conclude without reference to two matters that have been very much in all our hearts,” he added. Win Honour in Libya “Our troops in Libya, have, for the third time, faced the ordeal of battle against a strong and resolute. foe, and emerged with honour and glory. “The New Zealand Division was in the forefront of the struggle in Libya, and though its losses were, I fear, heavy, it has again earned imperishable laurels and has proved for all the world to see that our race endures and that the New Zealand boys of today are worthy successors to their fathers. Mr. Churchill has cabled me his high appreciation and admiration for the achievements of our troops. “The hearts of all of us will, I know, go out to those suffering in hospitals in the Middle East and to friends and relatives who are mourning or grieving in our own land.” Tribute to U.S. Mr. Fraser also referred to the assistance given to the British Commonwealth by the United States, stating that, by the passing of the Lease-Lend Bill and alterations to the Neutrality Act the great American Republic, through Mr. Roosevelt, had made it plain to the world and, in particular, to Axis aggressors, that the American people would not stand idly by and watch the destruction of that liberty based on justice and toleration for which the British Commonwealth and the democracies of the world stand today in arms. “During recent months we followed with sympathy the efforts of our American friends to negotiate a fair and lasting peace in the Pacific with representatives of Japan,” added Mr. Fraser. “It was therefore with the utmost detestation and disgust that we learned this week of the perfidy of Japan in launching in the midst of these peaceful conversations and without warning, a full-scale attack upon United States’ territories in the Pacific. “None know better than we of the British Commonwealth the enormous advantage possessed by a ruthless aggressor who prepared his foul blows in secrecy and who chooses his precise moment to deliver his treacherous attack, and I feel sure that all will

join me in expressing to our friends in the United States our detestation of the attack made upon them and our determination to stand with them through good or ill until the menace that at present threatens the world is removed for all time.” Admires Russia’s Fight Mr. Fraser also took the opportunity of expressing New Zealand’s highest admiration for the manner in which Russia was stoutly fighting on such an extensive front. “I hope,” he said, “that the local Russian advantage will be maintained and widened into the rout of the German forces and that the Nazi forces will be hurled back even from the gates of Moscow.” Mr. Fraser also spoke of the gallant stand of China against the Japanese aggressors, and extended to Generalissimo Chiang Kai-shek best wishes for a sweeping victory and the liberation of China. Stand Together In conclusion, he expressed the conviction that the people of New Zealand would stand together as one man and face whatever attacks may be made with the same courage, fortitude, en-. durance and faith of democratic cause that had been shown so marvellously by our kith and kin in the Mother Country. “The people of Britain had set us a noble example. We would live up to it, come what may. We would acquit ourselves like men and be strong and we would fight the good fight and would keep the faith and win.” (Applause). Secret Session Immediately on conclusion of his speech, Mr. Fraser drew the Speaker’s attention to strangers in the galleries. The galleries were cleared forthwith and the House went into secret session. The House continued in secret session until 11.55 p.m. when an adjournment was taken to 10.30 a.m. today. No official report was issued and discussion in secret will be continuing this morning.