BRITAIN READY

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20784, 19 April 1939, Page 7

BRITAIN READY

DEFENCE PREPARATION

PRODUCTION ACCELERATED PRESERVE INDEPENDENCE (Official Wireleaa) (Received April 19. 11 a.m.) RUGBY, April 18 The Prime Minister, Mr Neville Chamberlain, In the House of Commons, answering Mr C. R. Attlee, Leader of the Labour Opposition, said:

“The Government has continued its close consultation with other interested Governments, Including that of the Soviet, but i am not yet In a position to add anything to the statement which I made on behalf of the Government In the debate last Thursday. I should, however, like to take this opportunity to Inform the House of the great satisfaction with which the Government welcomed the recent initiative of President Roosevelt.”

To another member who questioned him regarding Holland. Switzerland and Denmark, the Prime Minister replied: “The Government has entered into no specific engagements with the three countries named, but is it unnecessary for me to insist upon the interest which the Government has in the preservation of their independence.” Mr Chamberlain was asked whether he was in a position to announce any new measures designed to increase the country’s ability to discharge its recently extended military commitments.

The Prime Minister replied that in addition to a number of detailed measures which could not be set out in a Parliamentary reply, steps were being taken to and widen the basis of production, with a view to providing increased war material, bearing in mind the increasing commitments of the resources which it was prudent to anticipate in view’ of recent developments.

Manufacture of Bren Guns

- Information of a similarly reassuring character was forthcoming wher Mr L. Hore-Belisha, Secretary ot State for War, was asked whether the Bren light machine-gun was being manufactured in sufficient numbers to meet Army requirements. Mr ’Hore-Belisha answered: “Yes, and the output is beini? enlarged. In addition they are being manufactured in Canada, and I am glad to know that Australia, South Africa and India also contemplate setting up factories for the manufacture of these guns.” He added that all regular units, both at home and abroad, were equipped with Bren guns completely to war scale.

FRENCH PRECAUTIONS

THE NEED FOR VIGILANCE COMMEMORATING REVOLUTION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received April 19, 11 a.m.) PARIS, April 18 After statements by the Prime Minister, M. Daladier, and the Foreign Minister, M. Bonnet, insisting on the need for vigilance, the Cabinet passed decrees dealing with munitions, petroleum, importing companies, and increasing the power of the Tunis radio station. The Government allotted £84,000 to the Ministry of Education for the commemoration of the 150th anniversary of the French Revolution. GKRMAN BITTERNEBB MR ROOSEVELT CHARGED CONSULTATIONS WITH SOVIET n (Untied Press Assn.—Elec.. Tel. Copyright BERLIN, April 18 1 The German press attacks on President Roosevelt continueThey accuse him of consulting not only London and Paris, but also Moscow, before the preparation of his message. AIRMEN CALLED UP DUTCH COMPANY’S PILOTS (United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. CopyrirMLONDON, April 17 The London representative of the K.L.M., the noted Dutch air line service, announces that 23 of the company’s pilots have been called up for military service. SOUTH-WEST AFRICA STRENGTHENING OF POLICE {United Press Assn— Elpc. Tel. Copyright) CAPETOWN, Aprli 17 It was announced in the South African Assembly that information has been received making urgent the immediate strengthening of the SouthWest African police. The action was an ordinary police measure and there was no question of military action. Further details are refused.

armed forces doubled

ACTION TAKEN BY YUGOSLAVIA . (United Press Assn—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received April 19. 11 a.m.) BELGRADE, April 18 Yugoslavia is doubling its armed forces, bringing the eventual strength to between 250,000 and 300,000*