IN EVENT OF ATTACK
AUSTRALIANS WARNED TO "STAY PUT AND SIT TIGHT"
DUTY OF CIVILIANS
The deputy-Prime Minister, Mi' Forde, said that the "golden rules" which civilians should obey in the event of attacks on Australia were' Stay put and sit tight - Do not move on any orders except such as are delivered by a responsible official. Do not spread rumours. Do not block roads. Do not become a fugitive. Keep a clear head and a shut mouth. Mr Forde, who made this statement after consultation with high army officers, said that the civil population of Australia was becoming more and mere drawn into the battle area. If there were attacks from the air, or invasion, civilians would have a very definite and vitally important part to play. Danger on Roads Civilians—men, women and child-ren—-would be far safer in their own houses than on the road"lt may be," Mr Forde said, "that for military reasons—that is to help the soldiers—the Government will take steps later to evacuate, from certain places, portions of the civilian population as a precautionary measure. For example, women and children have been evacuated from certain outlying areas in the north, which have become battle or forward zones. If such, action is proposed in other areas ample warning will be given, and it will be the duty of those concerned to co-operate.
"Rest assured that clear and precise instructions will be issued about this, so that every woman and man will know in time what to do.
Lesteon of Europe
Mr Forde said that the Japanese, if they invaded Australia, would like to see what Germany saw in Poland, Norway, Holland, Belgium and France—immense confusions, quick spreading of rumours, and despondency, roads thronged with refugees, who would be admirable and unresisting targets for bombing and machine gunning, and who would also prevent the movements of our own troops. Men and women of influence and authority in the community could do an immense amount by their personal example.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/BPB19420216.2.26
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Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 17, 16 February 1942, Page 5
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330IN EVENT OF ATTACK Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 5, Issue 17, 16 February 1942, Page 5
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