SILENT COLUMN

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23718, 26 July 1940, Page 8

SILENT COLUMN

PEOPOSAL DROPPED WAR SHOULD BE DISCUSSED ; INTERNMENT REFORMS By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright British Wireless LONDON, July 21 The press expresses general approval of the passing of what was called the "Silent Column." In the House of Commons yesterday, the Prime Minister, Mr. Winston Churchill, played the part of a witty gravedigger, and on all sides it was recognised he had treated the subject in a perfectly appropriate manner. "The movement of forming 'Silent Columns' in an endeavour to discourage loose and ill-digested talk of a depressing character about the war was well meant,he said. "However, when the idea was put down in black and white, it did not look by any means so • attractive, and seemed to suggest that a reasonable and intelligent discussion about tho war between loyal and well-disposed people ought not to take place. Preserving Official Secrecy "On the contrary the Government believes that the general aspects of tho war should be understood and discussed, provided there is not a breach, however inadvertent, of official secrecy." In applauding Mr. Churchill's remark that the "Silent Column" had passed into "innocuous dissolution," the Times says: "It perished lightly enough under this jocund pomp, and, now that it is done with, there will be a review of the prosecutions which, at the instance of the Silent Column, have too often been ridiculous." The Times also praises the Government for retracting "with frankness and dignity" a second measure "which has been at variance with the English temper and sense of justice and fair play"—that of the wholesale internment of enemies of alien origin. Aliens in War Effort Tho Daily Telegraph says that no doubt a very large number of tho men interned are heart and soul antagonistic to Nazidom, and continues: "Many of them have hardly escaped from its cruelty, and are able and eager to render useful service to the country which is their home. Not only was hardship being inflicted, and good feeling strained, but it was a possible source of much needed man-power being wasted.

"The reforms which Sir John Anderson, Minister for Homo Security, is making will set free those who should have been exempt and provide for the release of individuals and groups who will join in our war effort."

The national executive of the Labour Party passed a resolution stronglyopposing the extension of the censorship beyond the prevention of the publication of information valuable to the enemy. An appeal to the public to join the "Silent Column" by imposing discretion upon themselves and the people they met was broadcast by tho Minister- of Information, Mr. A. Duff Cooper, on July 11. FEDERAL PARLIAMENT NO EXTENSION PROPOSED MR. MENZIES' INTENTIONS HOLDING OF ELECTION (Received July 26, 12.50 a.m.) MELBOURNE, July. 25 The Prime Minister, Mr. Menzies, today made it clear that he has no intention of seeking approval for the extension of the life of the Federal Parliament, hut would ask all parties to clothe Parliament with power to postpone the general election if circumstances rendered that course necessary. "The Government's view is that the next election, which is due at the end of the year, should occur within-the due period unless circumstances made it impossible or dangerous to tho country's war effort," said Mr. Menzies. Ho will discuss tho matter with the leaders of all parties early next month. Mr. A. G. Cameron, leader of the Country Party, is understood to be satisfied with this assurance and the danger of a political crisis has passod for tho time being. It was earlier reported that Mr. Cameron had threatened to resign his leadership of the Country Party, and his portfolios of Commerce and the Navy, if his party agreed to any proposal to extend the life of Parliament.

Tho dispute has led to a revelation that Cabinet decided some weeks ago that it would seek power to extend the lifo of Parliament so that it could be used in the event of a sudden emergency. Replying to criticism of Cabinet for the frequency of its meetings in Melbourne, tho Prime Minister, Mr. R. G. Menzies, said that, in spite of the fact that tho presence of service departs monts in Molbourno made it necessary for the Cabinet to meet there, it had hold more meetings in Sydney than any of its predecessors, t