BRITISH DEFENCE

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20784, 20 April 1939, Page 9

BRITISH DEFENCE

THE CIVIL SCHEME REGIONAL COMMISSIONERS APPOINTMENTS MADE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright: LONDON, April 18 A number of regional commissioners under the civil defence scheme, whose

appointments were announced to-day include many leading figures in business, politics, and administration.

The Minister of Civil Defence, Sir John Anderson, has deprecated the description of the commissioners as "dictators" for their regions, but he made it clear that in a national emergency, and particularly in event of the interruption of communications due to enemy action, important, duties and responsibilities would devolve on them from the central Government.. The commissioners Include: —For the south-eastern region, Sir Auckland Geddes. who was Minister of National Service from 1917 to 1919: for the north-eastern region, Lord Harlech (formerly Mr W. G. A. Ormsby-Gore, First Commissioner of Works, 1931-36, and later Colonial Secretary) ; for the north-western region, Sir Warren Fisher, who will retire from the posts of Permanent Secretary of the Treasury and Head of the Civil Service in October; for the North Midlands, - Lord Trent, chairman af Roots and other companies; for the eastern region, Sir William Spens. former Vice-Chancellor of Cambridge University; and for the southern region, Mr Harold Butler, until recently director of the International Labour Office at Geneva, and designated as first principal of Nuffield College, Oxford. Plans for Ministry of Supply It is understood that Mr Chamberlain has decided to establish a Ministry of Supply and Munitions, and that the Cabinet endorsed the decision today, says the political correspondent of the Daily Telegraph. Pointing out that the increase In the territorial force has lent new urgency to the supply question, the political correspondent of the Times says he believes it has been found necessary to create an organisation to supervise the supply of equipment, mainly for the benefit of the War Office. It would develop into a Ministry of Supply in the event of war. Use of Carrier Pigeons A register ot carriers pigeons for use in wartime is being compiled by the Air Ministry. Pigeons would be carried in Royal Air Force machines and used to convey messages if the aeroplanes’ wireless apparatus were put out of action. j Since the Great War the Royal Air j Force lias maintained a pigeon service and as a result of offers of j pigeons from private fanciers it is | expected that about 500,000 of the I birds will be available to play their part in national defence.

CONTROL OF SUPPLIES

MUNITIONS AND MATERIALS

(United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright)

(Received April 20, 11 a.m.)

L< «NDON

April 19

It is understood that the Cabinet lias approved of the establishment of an authority to control the supply of munitions and material for the War Office.

The Prime Minister is expected to make a statement, possibly on April 20. The Government lias requested local authorities throughout the country to give priority to civil defence measures for the next three months.

The Food Defence Department is increasing the flour reserves by arranging for additional storage by all bakers.

FEELING IN BRITAIN

WILL PREVENT AGGRESSION LONDON, April 19 The President of the Board of Education, Earl de la Warr, speaking in Edinburgh, said: “There is no hostility or bitterness in this country against the German people, but there is a spirit of determination to prevent further aggression, which any wise national will hesitate to challenge.”