CHANGE OVER TO WAR

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 September 1939, Page 5

CHANGE OVER TO WAR

THOROUGH PREPARATIONS IN BRITAIN FINANCIAL AND OTHER MEASURES. CONTROL & MAINTENANCE OF ACTIVITIES. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, September 5. The Stock Exchange will reopen on Thursday. Meanwhile transactions between members are permitted according to special rules announced yesterday by the committee. The closing of the exchange, it is emphasised in financial circles, is due not to any weakness of the market but for the convenience of members. Today’s “Financial News” pays a warm tribute to the thoroughness of the preparations which enabled Britain’s economic system to pass smoothly from near-war conditions to those of war.

“There is none of the hasty improvisation of 1914,” the article continues. “One gets the impression of a well-oiled machine at work. The preliminary financial measures are drastic, comprehensive and sensible.” Such measures include complete control of the foreign exchange market and the domestic financial position as well as steps to prevent emergency difficulties in the money market.

“The whole plan of campaign of the authorities appears to be a mixture between control and maintenance as far as possible of existing institutions,” the paper adds. “The control consists for the most part of control of prices and control of distribution of supplies through priority schedules" —such control being exercised through the industries’ own organisations. There is evidence in the City, according ot this newspaper, of considerable confidence in the capacity of Britain’s economy to undergo efficiently and rapidly the changeover from peace to war.

Parliament completed the passage of the Bill requiring all persons in Britain to register for national service. The Control of Employment Bill, which has just been published, empowers the Minister of Labour to order employers not to engage or reengage employees without the Minister’s consent.

It is officially stated that the War Office is assigning soldiers to assist at harvesting till September 20. Farmers will pay the soldiers an appropriate wage. It is learned from Buckingham Palace that the King has given orders that all equerries and Royal Household officials shall wear uniform. The King himself has worn uniform daily since the outbreak of war.

Admiral Sir Reginald Ernle-Erle-Drax, who headed the recent British military mission to Moscow, was received by the King today. The Duchess of Kent worked for several hours today at a cottage hospital at Ivor, Bucks, with other local volunteers binding splints for emergency purposes. , . It was announced in Cambridge today that the Michaelmas term will open for students not called or due to be called up for war service. At several colleges medical students from London hospitals evacuated under the air raid'precautions scheme will continue their studies. The ViceChancellor emphasised the importance of continuing educational facilities in spite of the war. The British Bohrd of Trade has taken control of all stocks of tea, and also control of the import tea trade.