AIMS OF ALLIES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23488, 27 October 1939, Page 10

AIMS OF ALLIES

WIDELY UNDERSTOOD NEUTRAL PRESS OPINION SYMPATHY APPRECIATED By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright (Received October 2fi, 5.5 p.m.) British Wireless LONDON, Oct. 25 Since the outbreak of war the British newspapers have given increased space to reports of press opinion in neutral countries. These reports have shown a growing comprehension in neutral States of the attitude of the Allies, and of the issues at stake in the struggle, which Hitler precipitated by his aggression against Poland. The Minister of Information, Lord Macmillan, let fall the aphorism that in the United States Britain preferred to leave her propaganda to Hitler. Neutral press comment would seem to reflect the fact that in the neutral world as a whole the crudity of the German propaganda, of which the latest and most damaging instance was Goebbels' silly and undignified broadcast about the Athenia, has powerfully contributed to the enlightening of neutral peoples, and to disposing them in favour of the cause of the Allies. Highly appreciated as is the sympathy among neutrals in Europe, there is particular gratification, in view of their relative remoteness from the scene of conflict, at the evidence the press of the South American countries affords of the way in which the peoples of those Republics have grasped that the aims inspiring Britain and France are the same ideals of liberty and right so honoured in Latin America.

These indications of sympathy and understanding in many newspapers of Latin America are more valued for the influential position which, in several cases, they enjoy far beyond their own States, on account of their distinguished reputation and authoritative character.

RELEASE OF NEWS CHANGES IN MINISTRY LORD CAMROSE RESIGNS STAFF REDUCED 30 PER CENT LONDON, Oct. 25 Lord Camrose, one of the leading newspaper proprietors in Britain, announced in the House of Lords to-day that he was relinquishing his official position with the Ministry of Information, which, he said, should now function smoothly if Lord Macmillan was given a fair chance. He added that the number of responsible officials was being reduced by 30 per cent. This discounts the report that Lord Macmillan is resigning. He was probably confused with Lord Camrose. Lord Macmillan, defending the Ministry, said rearrangements had reduced the total amount of salaries payable by £46,000 a year. Further changes could be expected, including the obtaining of more assistance from journalists. The Ministry had achieved its aim of doubling the number of press attaches abroad, of which Britain bad 18 before the war. "My opposite number, Dr, Goebbels," Lord Macmillan said, , "had many attaches abroad, with hordes of agents in Germany. He lias spent at least £6,000,000 a year on propaganda in the past six years."

AUSTRALIAN DEFENCE £60,000,000 THIS YEAR MORE TAXES INDICATED MELBOURNE, Oct. 26 The Prime Minister, Mr. R. G. Mcnzies, said that the Federal Government would this year spend more than £60,000,000 on defence. This is nearly £30,000,000 more than the expenditure contemplated in the greatly extended defence programme planned before the war. The greatly increased expenditure indicates that taxation increases will not end with those announced in the Budget presented to Parliament last session. New taxation measures are certain to be introduced in the Supplementary Budget which will be presented during next session.

COMFORTS FOR TROOPS * NEW ZEALAND FORCES (Received October 26, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 26 The New Zealand Women's Association has decided io undertake knitting, sewing and other benefit work on behalf of the United Kingdom section of the New Zealand forces.