NATION’S DEFENCES ORGANISED

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21156, 1 October 1938, Page 17

NATION’S DEFENCES ORGANISED

Britain’s Thorough Preparations

Emergency Measures Are Continued

Small Powers Active

United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright

(Received September 30, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, September 30.

“The Dally Telegraph” says: Official quarters see no signs of hope for the immediate end of tension, which Is evidenced by the fact that the Government has continued rapid precautions. Thousands of territorials, already mobilised, are living under wartime conditions. Some are quartered within a bus ride of their homes but are not allowed to go home at night-time. Tlie Home Office lias warned parents against allowing children to use gas masks as toys, owing to the danger of damage rendering them useless. The Bradford police were called out this afternoon to two large gangs of children, all wearing <tas masks, who were staging a mimic battle from parallel air raid trenches in the heart of the city. The police fought their way to the trenches through a hail of stones and clods. Offers of Service The Parliamentary Committee of the National Federation oi Grocers and Provision Dealers Associations resolved to place the whole of the machinery of their organisation at the disposal of the Government to assist the even distribution of essential foods. This was the outcome of the activities of the Food Defence Department of the Board of Trade. As part of further precautionary measures it Is announced that those engaged in the supply and distribution of feeding stuffs for animals have agreed to maintain prices at present levels for a fortnight. The plans for the evacuation, in the event of war, of London school children and all adults whr may wish to leave, include compulsory billeting on households in country areas within 30 and 60 miles radius of London. The Government has issued an appeal for strict economy in the use of petrol supplies.

Rush of Recruits The anti-aircraft army and Royal Air Force recruiting campaign and the mobilisation of the fleet is continuing at full speed. Municipalities are advised in no circumstances to delay air raid precautions. POSITION OF DUKE OF WINDSOR RETURN TO ENGLAND FAVOURED United Press Association—By Eleei ru Telegraph—Copyright (Received September 30, 6.30 p.m.) VANCOUVER, September 2C. “The Vancouver Sun,” commenting on an offer by the Duke of Windsor, to return to England in the event of war, declares that the man who has occupied the throne is still an honoured member of the Royal family and should not be abroad where he might conceivably become a hostage. He should end his European sojourn and go home. EMERGENCY MEASURES IN FRANCE PRESIDENT SIGNS DECREES United Pless Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received September 30, 6.30 pun.) PARIS, September 29. The official journal publishes a decree signed by the President <M. Le Brun) putting into operation the law for the organisation of the nanon in wartime. The law deals with every phase of national activity. Many provisions are already operating. For instance, mobilisation and the requisitioning of new pawers to authorise economic and industrial measures as required. DUTCH PRECAUTIONS PARTIAL MOBILISATION ORDERED United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright (Received September 30, 6.30 p.m.) AMSTERDAM, September 29. It has been decided that the partial Dutch mobilisation ordered yesterday, will be carried out. OFFER FROM SAMOA FORCE READY TO SERVE BRITAIN By Telegraph—Press Association WELLINGTON, September 30. The Prime Minister (Mr M. J. Savage) received to-day the following telegram from the acting Administrator of Samoa (Mr G. Turnbull): “At Fono this morning, Falpule, with a strong expression of loyalty to the Empire, offered to make available a force of 9,200 Samoans to fight for the general service and defence of Apia.” The following reply has been sent by the Prime Minister: “Please convey to Fono the following message from the Prime Minister—l appreciat' very much indeed the expression of loyalty by Fono and the offer of the Samoans to help, if necessary. I am glad to u.; , however, that the present difficulties seem to be disappearing, but I shall not forget these expressions of the Samoans’ support."