MAXIMUM WAR EFFORT

Evening Star, Issue 24280, 22 August 1942, Page 5

MAXIMUM WAR EFFORT

SOUTH AFRICAN DETERMINATION (British Official Wireless.) (Rec. 10.10 a.m.) RUGBY, August 31. The South African SJinister of (Railways and Harbours (Mr F. C.' Sturrock), who arrived in London yesterday to consult with the Government about supply and shipping, stated today that, despite a local and domestio political situation which tended to impede the war effort to some small extent, the majority of people-in South. Africa were determined to prosecute the struggle alongside _ the Allies . with energy and determination. He had come to Britain to help to ensure that, the effort would be sustained at its maximum. The situation in the Middle East had thrown a heavy burden on. South African harbours, but the dock and railway workers had given most loyal service. Women were helping _ the war effort by replacing lorry drivers, inspectors, and conductors. The railway workshops, though hard pressed, were taking a prominent part in making munitions. The whole of the Englishspeaking population and the vast majority of the Dutch were behind General Smuts. Sensational news about the activities of the small anti-war party in no way reflected the general feeling of the Union about the war. The last three years had brought about industrial development which otherwise might have been extended over 25 years, and, while this might cause postwar problems, a young, developing country like South Africa had little to fear.

WILLKIE’S MISSION

ENLIGHTEN NEUTRALS ON AXES DESIGNS i'rcss Association—By Telegraph-Copyright (Rec. 12.55 p.m.) WASHINGTON, August 21. Mr Roosevelt said Mr Willkie’s itinerary would include Egypt, Arabia, Palestine, Syria, Turkey, Iraq, and Iran. He would act as Iffie President’s special representative. His principal task would be to tell the truth about; the American war effort, the unity behind it, and to correct the erroneous impressions abroad that American production was not all it should be. Mr Roosevelt expressed the opinion, that, as leader, of the minority party, Mr Willkie’s words would carry very great weight. He has been asked to convey to the nations a comparison of what would happen to them if the Axis won, or if the United Nations won. Mr Roosevelt declared that the heads of some Government departments were talking too much. directed all Government administrators to refrain from public debate, controversial questions of policy, and to cease criticising each other. Mr Roosevelt said that such airing of divergent opinions in the public Press was being seized upon and exploited by their enemies.