WAR EFFORT

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24296, 13 May 1940, Page 6

WAR EFFORT

DECISIVE ACTION NEEDED MOBILISATION OF RESOURCES CALLING OF PARLIAMENT URGED (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 11. The Dominion president of the People’s Movement. Mr E. R. Toop, has despatched the following telegram to the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, and the Leader of the Opposition. Mr Hamilton:— , “ The present world situation, occasioned by Herr Hitler’s inhuman lust for power, is the vital concern of New Zealand. The People’s Movement affirms its determination to urge and support the utmost war effort by the Dominion. The brutal invasion of the Low Countries should bring home with stark reality this country’s need for absolute preparedness and immediate action. The People’s Movement respectfully asks that Parliament should be called together at once to examine the new situation overseas, and to adopt forthwith a new and vigorous war policy within the Dominion, and to render the fullest aid possible to our Allies. “ The time for the full utilisation of our man-power, resources, and production has arrived. We urge that effectiye measures, including compulsory military training and compulsory service for production on a war-time basis should be instituted immediately. We emphasise that Parliament should be called together at once to consider the war policy in the light of the imperative need to take every possible action that will help to bring the war to a victorious conclusion. “We also urge that, following the examples of Britain and France, the Government should form a non-party War Council, including the best brains in the country, to direct the Dominion’s war policy and activities. The resolute will of our people can be given effect only through a bold and resolute policy. We will stand behind all such courageous, effective action.” ADEQAUTE STEPS TAKEN FULL SUPPORT FOR ALLIED CAUSE ■ DANGER OF SCARE-MONGERING (Per United Press Association) WELLINGTON, May 12. In the course of a reply to the telegram from Mr E. R. Toop, president of the People’s Movement suggesting the immediate summoning of Parliament, the Prime Minister (Mr Fraser) states:— “ Your telegram received. While grateful for suggestions to improve New Zealand’s war effort from whatever .quarter they may come, and while repealing the assurance frequently given that ail such suggestions made in good faith and sincerity without ulterior motive, political or otherwise, will receive full consideration with a view to adopting whatever contained in them is practicable, I must point out the very grave danger of even wellintentioned people developing or inducing in others undue panic during serious ' developments in the war situation. I .am sure you will agree that anything in the nature of scaremongering at this critical time would be more damaging than helpful to New Zealand’s war effort and mighteven constitute a danger. “New Zealand's war achievement up' to.the present in regard to naval, Air Force and army organisation fulfils the pledge given by the Government on behalf of the Dominion at the outbreak of war that all the resources of the country would be placed at the disposal of the British Commonwealth and the cause of the Allies. The question of the effective use of the man-power of the DdVninion is at present engaging the competent attention of the Government and the very capable representatives of various industries. The question of production, which involves the disposal of primary products overseas and shipping, is constantly under action. “ Your suggestion regarding compulsory military and civil service in which you no doubt intended to include the conscription of wealth, is obviously too big an issue to be determined in rush fashion and can be discussed by the representatives of the people in Parliament assembled in the light of all the facts, including the Government’s declared policy of voluntary enlistment. Parliament is being called for a date in June, but as previously announced, if the necessity arises, it can be called together earlier. “At present, ■ everything possible is being done to assist the common causa of the Allies against a menace, which, if not defeated, will engulf the world. The Government has already called upon many able citizens in all walks of life to assist in war work, and the response has been excellent. This course will continue to be followed, and the best brains and experience available will be drawn upon. “Your expressed desire for national unity is most laudable and reassuring, particularly in view of recent political developments in the opnosite direction, said to be associated with your organisation. Please accept my thanks for your kind suggestions of assistance at this time.”