APPEAL BY RADIO

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20032, 2 September 1939, Page 4

APPEAL BY RADIO

ALLAYING ALARM ACTING-PRIME MINISTER MEASURES FOR DEFENCE EXAMINATION OF SHIPS INFORMING THE PUBLIC (Per Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The Acting-Prime Minister, the Hon. P. Fraser, in a broadcast at 7 a.m. today, said: — “Events have moved very rapidly, indeed since I made a statement in Parliament shortly after 5 o’clock last evening. It is impossible, of course, to give details of what has been- happening, but as ono of its first the Government arranged for the repetition from New Zealand broadcasting stations throughout the night of news reports from Daventry, and those who have been listening will not need to be told that a situation of the greatest gravity has arisen.

“It would appear that, without any genuine attempt at negotiation, -and indeed without allowing the Polish Government any reasonable opportunity of considering the terms that the German Government laid down as a sole condition upon which they would consent to hold their hands, Poland was attacked at an early hour last night. Constant Consultation “Throughout the night I have been 'a close touch with the position and in constant consultation with those of my colleagues who are principally concerned, with the chiefs of Naval, Air and General Staffs, and with officers of the Prime Minister’s Department and organisations for national security. “During the night all necessary instructions have been given to meet any contingency. Orders-in-Couneil that were passed last night are now in force, and you will read of them in the papers. They have also been extended to the mandated territory of Western Samoa and to island dependencies of New Zealand. Calling Up Reservists “From an early hour this morning announcements have been made by the Minister of Defence calling up all regular reservists and a portion of the special reserve (Class III). Those concerned are asked to listen for this announcement, which is being repeated at regular intervals. “Immediate steps have been taken to establish port examination services to examine and identify all merchant ships entering defended ports, to man coastal defences and to place guards at all vital points. “The people of this Dominion will not need an appeal to remain calm, but it might be worth while to ask all concerned to await events as they come with resolution and fortitude.

Keeping Public Informed

“Every possible opportunity will be taken through the press and over the air to keep the public constantly informed of all reliable news, and all are urged to refrain from believing or repeating rumours which may be expected to flourish at a time like this. L'he country may rely upon it that every possible step that is required is being taken and that there is no cause whatever for alarm.

“In New Zealand the Government already has taken steps to assure His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom that the Government and people of New Zealand entirely concur with and strongly endorse the steps that are still being taken by Great Britain in her unremitting efforts, even at this'late hour, to avoid war and •bloodshed and her determination to honour her pledged word, and I have .10 doubt whatever that there will be unanimous approval in this Dominion for the fullest co-operation in any Lwentualities with Great Britain and other portions of the British commonwealth.”