UNITED EMPIRE

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23970, 20 November 1939, Page 10

UNITED EMPIRE

MEETINGS OF MINISTERS WHOLE EFFORT REVIEWED A COMMON DETERMINATION (British Official Wireless) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) RUGBY, Nov. 18. (Received Nov. 19, at 6 p.m.) The Dominions Secretary (Mr Anthony Eden), visiting Ministers, and a representative of the Indian Government to-day addressed a meeting of international journalists. Mr Eden, said the discussions had covered the whole strategical, economic and financial Held of the common effort, and had resulted in all giving much valuable knowledge The delegates had given a full assurance that the resources of India and the dominions would be used in the most effective and economical manner. Great as were the results of such cooperation in 1914, they would be far greater now that the dominions were more widely developed and industrialised. and the contribution in material would be in a -measure and rate many times greater. Mr Eden mentioned as an example' the great Empire air training to be carried out in Canada, wmch scheme he described as unique. The visiting Ministers had heavy departmental duties in their own countries which would necessitate their early return, but certain experts who had been brought would stay for as long as was necessary. By Britain’s Side Mr T. A. Crerar said Canada had entered the war free of constraint, and by the practically unanimous decision of the Canadian Parliament. There was a natural desire to stand by Britain’s side, but also the pioneering spirit and the consequent love of freedom, liberty and the individual s right to live his own life were still strong in Canada. “If the philosophy of Nazi Germany triumphs in Europe, he said, “we realise that sooner or later its shadow will be thrown across our Dominion.” ~ ~ . , ,• Mr R. G. Casey said the Australian Government had sent him to find out how the greatest assistance could be given to the common cause. German wireless propaganda had been engaged in an effort to discount the probability of active participation in the war by the dominions.

“Do not be misled by this,” Mr Casey said. “Australia and the rest of the Empire will pull their full weight.”

The ultimate issue was not in doubt, Mr Casey added, for neither Britain nor Australia had anything to gam except continued freedom, and that was not going to be lost. Mr Casey spoke enthusiastically of French determination. He concluded, “ I do not under-estinfate Germany, but she cannot stand up to the might of thte Allies, who have the right and the best interests of mankind on their side.” New Zealand’s Stand Speaking on behalf of New Zealand, Mr Peter Fraser said the object of his visit had been achieved, and it would be of the utmost assistance in the measures New Zealand was taking to play a full part, both in men and supplies. Speaking of New Zealand’s attitude to the struggle, Mr Fraser said: “We are fully at one with the people of the United Kingdom and the other dominions and France in the determination—which we arrived at with the greatest reluctance and regret—that after a long period of intolerable aggression it becomes unquestionably necessary to take a stand once and for all against the ruthless application of force in international relations and the cruel persecution of peoples who are unable to protect themselves. We could take no other course if democracy and civilisation are to survive, or indeed, if human decency is to prevail in the world.”

Colonel Reitz said that some irresolution amongst the Dutch-speaking South Africans was noticeable on the outbreak of the war, but, as spectacular electoral assurances within the last few days showed, the whole country was now rallying to General Smuts. After describing, the scope of the discussions and the complete agreement reached at the meetings with the Imperial Government Ministers, he spoke of the visit to France, saying, “ I do not believe 10,000,000 Germans could break the Maginot Line or break the British front. Zagfrullah Khan said that, whatever differences they might have, India, like all other parts of the Empire, was determined to fight Nazi aggression and bluster. Visit to Front Lines Addressing the Overseas League, Mr Eden said; "We have been not only with the British Expeditionary Force, but also with the French armies in the Maginot Line, and, thanks to the enthusiasms of Colonel Reitz, even in advance of the French Maginot Line, the visit was an inspiration to us all. No one who saw what we saw could have the least doubt (if they ever had any) of the ultimate outcome of this struggle.” Colonel Reitz said: “ I can assure you that South Africa is in this with both feet, and we are going to see this thing through. We realise that if the Germans were to win this war we should become a German colony. We should suffer more than any other nation of the British Empire, and we are not going to have it! ” SOUTH AFRICAN SENATE GENERAL SMUTS ASSURED OF MAJORITY LONDON, Nov. 18. (Received Nov. 19, at 6.30 p.m.) The Capetown correspondent of The Times says that General Smuts's Government now has a majority of two in the Senate, thanks to the support of the Dominion and Labour Parties. Results: General Smuts’s Party, 13; Dominion Party. 2; Labour Party. 2; General HertZog’s supporters, 9; Dr Malan’s supporters, 6, Moreover, the six Senators being nominated will support General Smuts, while four Senators elected to represent the natives are also expected to vote for the Government, which thus is assured of a comfortable majority.