JUST IN CASE

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 4 February 1942, Page 2

JUST IN CASE

ADVICE TO AUSTRALIANS WHAT TO DO IN EVENT OF INVASION Melbourne. Jan., 27. The Deputy-Prime Minister of Australia (Mr Forde) said to-night that the “golden rules” which civilians should obey in the event of attacks n Australia were:— Stay put and sit tight. Do not move on any orders except such as are delivered by a responsible official. Do not spread rumours. Do not block roads. Do not become a fugitive. Keep a clear head and a shut mouth. Mr Forde, who made this statement after consultation with high Army officers. said that the civil population of Australia was becoming more and more drawn into the battle area. If there were attacks from the air, or invasion. civilians would have a very definite and vitally important part to play. Civilians—men. women, and children—would be far safer in their own houses than on the road. “It may be.” Mr Forde said, “that for military reasons—that is to help the soldiers—the Government will take steps later to evacuate, from certain places, portions oi the civilian population as a precautionary measure. For example, women and children have been evacuated from certain outlying areas in the north, which have become battle or forward zones. “If such action is proposed in other areas ample warning will be given, and it will be the duty of those concerned to co-operate. “Rest assured that clear and precise instructions will be issued about this,

.so that every woman and man will know in time what to do.” 1 Mr Forde said that the Japanese, if they invaded Australia, would like to see what Germany saw in Poland, Norway, Holland. Belgium, and France —immense confusion, quick spreading of rumours, and despondency, roads thronged with refugees, who would be admirable and unrpsistir.g targets for bombing and machine-gunning, and who would also prevent the movement of our own troops. Men and women of influence and authority in the community could do an immense amount by their personal example.