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Otago Daily Times, Issue 24326, 17 June 1940, Page 8

LATE NEWS

ALLIES RALLYING PREPARING TO ATTACK A WIDESPREAD PLAN TOURS, June 16. (Received Jun 17, at 2.15 a.m.) “ The Allies are developing a widespread plan of attack against the vital German and Italian points, and the French line is reing reorganised for a strong stand against the Germans,” says the Paris newspaper, Soir, which claims reliable sources. 1 It adds: “ The French have been obliged to spread their forces. They still have an important force in the sast, while the Maginot Line is still fully manned. General Weygand and the heads of the other services attended yesterday’s Cabinet meeting. “ In the meantime the French forces are contesting every inch of ground and are making the Germans pay as dearly as possible for the ground gained.” The Berlin radio announcer, referring to rumours of the possibility of peace talks now that Paris has fallen, said: “ The time for talking is over. Now is the time to destroy the British and French troops.” WASHINGTON ACTIVITY ALLIED AMBASSADORS WASHINGTON,’ June 16. (Received June IV, at 2 a.m.) The British and French Ambassadors conferred with President Roosevelt for over an hour, after which the British Ambassador (the Marquess of Lothian) said that the meeting “ cleared up some things in our minds.” Both emphasised that they visited the President without instructions from their Governments. It is generally believed that they discussed the further speeding up of the delivery of the Alied war orders and also the European situation as a whole. t SWEEPING POWERS AUSTRALIA ACTS DEFENCE MEASURES MELBOURNE, : June 16. :v (Received June IV, at 2 a.m.) Mr Menzies, in a broadcast tonight. stated that a ■ home defence force of 250,000 men would be formed in Australia. This would be achieved by the extension of militia training. The Government will make it possible for those unable at present to undergo military training, owing to responsibilities, to do their three months’ course of militia training for home defence. Parliament on Thursday will consider legislation similar to the National Security Acts in Britain and New Zealand. It will give the Government complete power over the people’s services', property, and man-power, except conscription ,for service abroad. The powers will be so wide, however, that the Government will have powder to conscript within 48 hours'for home defence. The Government, Mr Menzies said, would take power to impose whatever taxation is necessary to supplement the war effort, and would go to the length of almost financial collapse, as it considered financial collapse preferable to national destruction. It would take power to tell employers and employees what to do in the national effort. He concluded that the Government would welcome the fullest co-operation of everyone, especially trade unions, in its endeavours: SOUTH AFRICAN SUPPORT PRETORIA, June 15, (Received June 16, at 2 a.m.) The Prime Minister (General Smuts) sent a message to the French Government, expressing admiration for and sympathy with the French people. The message says: “ South Africa has pledged herself to remain at your side.’” General Smuts has been appointed officer commanding the Union defence foi’ces.