WHAT TO DO

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 120, 23 May 1942, Page 5

WHAT TO DO

IF WIRELESS STOPS

AUSTRALIAN INSTRUCTIONS

SYDNEY, May 20. Complete arrangements have been made for the co-ordination and control of all broadcasting stations in the Commonwealth in case of an emergency occurring in any part of Australia.

In certain circumstances it will become necessary for groups of broadcasting stations to be suddenly closed down for varying periods without warning.

On such occasions each station will close with the following announcement:—

We have to announce that our programme has been temporarily interrupted in the interests of national security. For the time being this station is closing down. Listeners are requested to remain tuned in to any -of their local stations for further information as soon as transmissions are resumed."

Precautionary Measure

"Although this step, in many cases, will be purely a precautionary measure, the public are advised, nevertheless, tp take it as a signal to place themselves on the alert for the possibility of air raid siren warnings being sounded," the Minister of Information, Senator Ashley, said yesterday.

"It is obvious that in cases where broadcast stations are closed down no warnings or directions can be made oyer such stations, and the public will therefore have to rely on the prepared air raid signals in each centre for warning, and to take directions from the A.R.P. wardens, police and other authorised persons. "I want to urge strongly that no alarm should be taken by the public at the fact that their particular radio station or any group of stations ceases broadcasting at short notice after making this announcement. They should remain calm, and place themselves on the alert, at the same time taking whatever precautions are necessary for air raid protection. "If the emergency cessation of broadcasting takes place during hours of darkness, the public should immediately give attention to the efficacy of their blackout and other air raid precautions, and be prepared to take whatever steps are necessary should a raid actually occur in their area.

Do Not Rely Upon Radio

"It is necessary to stress again that the public should not rely upon their radio for air raid warnings. Under certain circumstances it may be necessary to suspend broadcasting in areas a considerable distance removed from the expected point of attack, so that the cessation of broadcasting does not necessarily mean that its area of radiation is subject to attack.

"When it is possible to resume broadcasting after enemy action in any locality arrangements have been made for any necessary instructions, directions or advice to be transmitted to the public through their radio stations.

"The two points aimed at in the emergency control of radio are:— "(a) To avoid giving any assistance to the enemy. "(b) To maintain radio as far as possible as a source of contact between the authorities and the public. "It is essential in the event of attack that the public should remain calm, resolute and at the same time alert. The emergency closing down of any radio station or group of stations should be an immediate indication to all listeners to adopt this attitude to the danger which might be either imTwori«afo> ry gemote*"