NEW ZEALAND AND THE CRISIS

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22507, 15 September 1938, Page 11

NEW ZEALAND AND THE CRISIS

Rumoured Variance With Britain OFFICIAL DENIAL ISSUED Mr Savage Quoted In London (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.) (Received September 14, 9 p.m.) LONDON, September 14. The special correspondent of the Australian Associated Press at Geneva says a statement in League of Nations and London circles that the British are concerned because New Zealand told Whitehall she would not go to war over a Czechoslovakian issue can be emphatically denied. It was persistently rumoured in Geneva to-day that New Zealand is at variance with Britain over European policy, and also that Australia by implication was unwilling to be dragged into a possible conflict. It is understood the question has never arisen. It is officially intimated in London that as far as New Zealand is concerned her attitude is unchanged since Mr Savage’s announcement that “if England goes to war New Zealand goes to war,” and that this attitude will not change.

THE ATTITUDE OF CANADA

NO COMMITMENTS YET SOUGHT OPINION OPPOSED TO SENDING OF TROOPS (Received September 14, 9 p.m.) OTTAWA, September 13. Official Government sources expressed amazement at a report from Geneva that Canada was reluctant to support Britain. The official spokesman declared that Canada had not yet been asked to make commitments and Britain did not need assurances. Canadians have been told that if war was declared Parliament would be summoned before definite action was taken. The Cabinet discussed the situation fully to-day, but no statement was issued.

A proposal to send an expeditionary force would meet strong parliamentary opposition, as a large body of public opinion, particularly in Quebea, is likely to insist on limiting participation to home defence.

It is anticipated that all steps short of declaring war would be taken, and facilities would be given to volunteers to join the Imperial Forces. Supplies would also be placed at the disposal of Britain. However, if Britain were seriously threatened, there would hardly be a dissenting voice on aiding her by every means. The Czech crisis, at least for the present, is not regarded in that category. ,

DEFENCE PLANS IN CANADA EXTENSION OF SERVICES COMPLETED ARMY REORGANISATION TO BE SPEEDED UP OTTAWA, September 13. Speeding the organisation of defence, the Government announces that Major-General T. V. Anderson, now in England, who was listed to become Chief of the General Staff in 1939, is assuming command immediately. The reorganisation and extension of the air force and navy has been completed, and the reorganisation of the army is under way. A message from Kitchener (Ontario) states that the police in this German Canadian city, which was called Berlin before the Great War, tc-day prohibited the display of photographs of Herr Hitler, and swastika flags and also comment regarding Herr Hitler. The Toronto “Star” states that democracies have gained by the demonstration of united firmness. The Toronto “Globe and Mail” says that Herr Hitler is running a bluff; but it must not be assumed that he will back down.

The Ottawa “Citizen” says that the declaration that Herr Hitler is ready to take all risks is no empty threat and will continue the disruptive agencies designed to weaken democracies. The Sudeten question is merely a pretext. The real concern, as in 1914, is world markets. The Vancouver “Sun” says that the speech was dangerous in that it reveals the aim to divide the world into races rather than countries.