STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER.

Press, Volume L, Issue 15037, 4 August 1914, Page 10

STATEMENT BY THE PRIME MINISTER.

"NO NECESSITY FOR ANY SERIOUS ' ALARM."

(SPECIAL TO "THE PM3S.") WELLINGTON. Augus* 3. A meeting of the Executive was heH this morning. At its conclusion, Mr Massey was waited on by a number of journalists .who wanted to know what was going on, and what the Government was doing "Nothing for publication at pre-

sent," the Prime Minister replied in answer to a question. "I think thero will be something tonight, but I am not ready to say anything at present. . I can say this, that we are going on with precautionary measures. * A certain proclamation will bo issued later, but I am not in a position to say any more at present." "Has any official reply beep .received ii) regard to the offer of an expeditionary force?" asked a journalist. "No," said Mr Massey, "the" offer has leen acknowledged. Ah official reply will come later. It is not an offer until Parliament agrees. The position is at present that, if necessary, the Government will ask Parliament for tho necessary authority. '•'How many men will be asked for?" was another question. "I cannot say,"' replied the Prime Minister, and added, "If it is necessary to provide an expeditionary. _orce~VDlunteers will be asked, from tlie Territorials, and not fronroutsiders." "Parliament will go on as usual," he remarked. "What about, the New Zealand fleet?" he was asked. "I cannot say anything about it at present You can refer,to the Act." As to banking arrangements. Mr Massey said if there had: been any extreme necessity the House would "have met: that day, but thero. was no urgency." .. '■ * 7 *7 "'.;,, .7

''Have yon had any official information a$ to declaration of. war?" was another query: "I cannot say yet," wasrthe reply." There are lots of thincs I,cannot make public I can only say again that there is no.necessity for any serious l alarm. Everything* is being done that is necessary" under the circumstances.""" ."; ; „ 7 - .*.- -.;■■-.. ' Midnight,. When seen late this 7 evening* the Prime Minister said that he, had no further news to communicate regarding the situation in Europe. He added that he' was in receipt of communications from the Imperial; Government, but these were confidential. "As far as I am able to judge," said Mr Massey, "thero is no need for any feeling of insecurity, or want of confidence on the part : of the peoplo of New Zealand. In saying- that I must admit that if the Empire is involved in war, tho people of New Zealand, like.all other British citizens,' will be called upon to make sacrifices, but I feel certain that; they aro . quite pre*; pared to do so." ' ~-2 ■..:■'■ 7