WAR COUNCIL TO BE FORMED

Southland Times, Issue 24153, 15 June 1940, Page 6

WAR COUNCIL TO BE FORMED

GOVERNMENT ISSUES INVITATIONS

UNCHANGED ATTITUDE OF OPPOSITION

(From Our Parliamentary Reporter) WELLINGTON, June 14.

The intention of the Government to proceed with the formation of a war council was announced today by the Prime Minister (the Hon. P. Fraser). The Government’s proposal involves the appointment of a council comprising Ministers associated with the war activities, three members of the Opposition and representatives of employers, workers, returned soldiers and trade and industry, but it was learned tonight that the Opposition’s attitude is unchanged and that it does not intend to participate. Mr Fraser said the invitation which he had extended to the Opposition to appoint three members to the council was still open. “Invitations to join the council are being issued to thoroughly representative organizations on the lines I have already indicated,” added Mr Fraser. “Quite a few unsolicited recommendations about the personnel have already been received from outside.” Reference was made by the Prime Minister to the question of a war Cabinet. He said that one had virtually been in existence since the war started, in . .the form of a committee of the Cabinet consisting of the Ministers directly associated with war questions which were determined in consultation with the heads of the General Staff. This system would continue to operate. The committee could be summoned at a moment’s notice and that had frequently occurred.