PROMPT ACTION

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 69, 23 March 1939, Page 7

PROMPT ACTION

FRENCH SECURITY EFFECT OF PLENARY POWERS LABOUR DECREES (By Telegraph—Presa Association—Copyright) Received March 22, 5.5 p.m. PARIS, March 21. A Government decree orders all registered unemployed to accept work offered by the labour exchanges with firms working for national defence. They will be paid the normal wages, and those who refuse will forfeit their allowances tor the year. The provisions of M. Daladier’s first exercise of plenary powers include the transfer of 442 officers and 2500 non-commissioned officers to strengthen the anti-aircraft defences; the creation of a new body of North African colonial troops; powers to retain with the colours classes of troops who have nominally completed their services; a 60-hour-week, with overtime pay, In factories engaged in national defence, which will have a special directorate and will accelerate their output; authority for temporary loans to aid armaments contractors; and power to recall former armament workers. No time is being lost in implementing the decrees, and a large number of specialists in Lille were called up this morning. It is also decreed that information concerning the army, the navy, the air force, and subsidiary services, including air-raid precautions, may not be published without the Government's approval. The penalties for breach are similar to those for espionage. LEGALITY DENIED GERMAN ABSORPTION OF CZECHS NOTE FROM UNITED STATES WASHINGTON, March 21. The United States in a formal Note to Germany, made public to-day, has refused to recognise the legality of the absorption of Czechoslovakia. The text of the Note is as follows: "To the German Charge d’Affaires: Sir, I acknowledge receipt ot your Note of March 17. in which, by direction of your Government, you informed the United States Government of the terms of the decree issued on March 16 by the Government of the Reich, announcing the assumption of a protectorate over the provinces of Bohemia and Moravia. The United States Government has observed that these provinces are now under the de facto administration of the German authorities. The United States Government does not recognise that any legal basis exists for the status so indicated. The views of this Government regarding the situation, as well as regarding the related facts, were made on March 17’ and enclosed herewith . for the information of your Government is a copy ot the statement tn which those views arc expressed.— I Signed, Sumner Welles.” APPEAL FOR HELP SOVIET DENIES REPORT. Received March 22, 5.5 o.m. | MOSCOW, March 21. ; It is officially denied that Toland and Rumania have asked for the i Soviet's help. AUSTRALIAN SUPPORT STANDING BY BRITAIN SYDNEY, March 21. The Prime Minister (Mr. J. A. Lyons) said to-day that the Federal Cabinet would meet in Melbourne today. Mr. S. M. B:uce (High Commissioner in London) has delayed his departure for London in order to be available for consultation. Mr. Lyons added that there could be no doubt about Australia's support for Britain.