ADVERSE VOTE

New Zealand Herald, Volume 78, Issue 24050, 22 August 1941, Page 8

ADVERSE VOTE

ME, CURTIN EXPLAINS VITAL WORK IN AUSTRALIA "AS BADLY OFF AS EVER" 'Hrcl. 12.15 a.m.) CANBERRA, Autrust 21 Explaining why Labour voted against Air. Menzies' departure for London, Mr. Curtin, in a dramatic speech in the House of Representatives, said the Prime Minister had so much vital work to do in Australia that the presentation of the Commonwealth's views to the British War Cabinet would have to He left to someone else. "Wo are as badly off as we have ever been since the collapse of France," said Air. Curtin, "because the campaign which Germany is waging is being carried on with vast forces over a wide a rea.' 1 Australia's defence was not practicable bv Australia lighting alone, Mr. Curtin added, in appealing for the war preparations of the country to bo raised to the highest point of efficiency. He added: "We ask the British Government to accept the representative of Australia—not the one the British Government would choose, but the one the Australian Government would select." The Minister of the Navy, Air. W. M. Hughes, speaking with all his oldtime vigour, defended Mr. Menzies and described him as the very man who should go to London. He added that if Air. Alenzies could not. be spared from Australia because of the gravity of the situation, then obviously he could not be spared from London, where Australia's fate would bo decided.

Parliament was discussing the safety of Australia, said Air. Hughes, and the question of Mr. Menzies' departure transcended party and all other considerations.

MODERN PIMPERNEL

SABOTAGE IN FRANCE SHELTERED BY LOYALISTS LONDON', August "JO A huge reward is being offered by the Germans in occupied France for the capture of the modem Scarlet Pimpernel, savs the Daily Express Gibraltar correspondent. He is a Free French officer whose photograph now appears on hoardings and Nazi-con-trolled newspapers in all parts of occupied France. Like the Englishman who tricked the French revolutionaries, this French Pimpernel has led the Germans a preat dance for the past two months, mowing up petrol and ammunition dumps and damaging U-boat and air bases. The Nazis never know where ho will appear next. He works at night and his attacks are carefully planned. Loyal French men and women risk their lives to give him food and shelter.

The Daily Telegraph says the Free French authorities in London have received from agents in occupied France a report telling of German disunity and fears. An informant who moves freely among the German troops in France reports that old men are relieving the German garrisons in France. The idea of fighting against the Russians has caused general dismay among the troops relieved. Drunkenness among the troops is increasing. The R.A.F. bombing raids have made a tremendous impression on the German people and this reacts on the morale of the troops, who often receive letters announcing the death of relatives. They curse the war and demand that it be brought to an end.

SEAT VACATED ARRESTED ARMY M.P. CASE OF SIR PAUL LATHAM LONDON. August 20 Sir Paul Latham, who, as was announced in the House of Commons last month, is to bp tried by a court martial for alleged offences under military law, has vacated his seat in Parliament, says the British official wireless. Observing the constitutional procedure, the King sent notice to Parliament on August 1 that Major Sir Paul Latham, M.P. for Scarborough, had been arrested in connection with alleged offences against military law. He is 36 years old and was connected with a searchlight regiment. He has a large income from the textile and rayon firm of" Courtaulds, and has spent much money in restoring to its original loth century state the historic Hertsmonceau Castle, Sussex, where, he often entertained men from overseas. HITLER AND GOERING

LONDON, August 20 Berlin radio, in reply to "Senseless fabricated reports," says that Hitler and Goering are enjoying the best of health and are watching their war plans beinsr carried out. MORE CANADIANS LONDON, August 2o A further contingent >/' the Canadian Army has just arrived in Britain, says the British official wireless. The new arrivals include ordnance, army service corps, heavy anti-aircraft and field ambulance units. The same convoy, as also did the last which brought Canadian troops to Britain, also brought men of the Belgian Army.