EMPIRE INVOLVED

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20033, 4 September 1939, Page 4

EMPIRE INVOLVED

FAMILY MEMBERS AUSTRALIAN DECLARATION TRUTH MUST TRIUMPH JOURNEY MAY BE 1,0.\(T CON FI DENG E REQUIRE D (Kloc. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Sept. 4, 10 a.m.) SYDNEY, Sept. 3.

The Prime Minister of Australia, Mr. R. G. Menzies, in a broadcast address from Melbourne to-night, following the address given by the British Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, said:—-

“It is my melancholy duty to inform you that, in consequence of flic persistence of the invasion by Germany ,of Poland and the refusal to withdraw her troops, Great Britain had declared war upon her, and as a result Australia is at war.”

1-Ie reviewed the events leading to the declaration, recalling Germany’s acts ot aggression and the repeated futile efforts made by Britain and France to keep the door open for the negotiation of a peaceful settlement of the Polish dispute. “Truth Must Win”

“We, as a member of the great family of nations, are now involved in a struggle which we must at all costs win and which,” lie continued, “we believe we will win. Truth is our companion on this journey, which may be long and arduous, and truth must win.

“In the bitter months to come I appeal to you to observe calmness, resolution and confidence, which more than ever is required.” The proclamation of the existence of a state of war was issued to-night, after Mr. Menzies' broadcast. Clearance ol' Ships

Special clearances must be obtained in future by ships leaving Australian ports. Fishing trawlers, however, are exempted. The declaration of war created a sensation throughout the Commonwealth. Special editions of the newspapers were issued as soon as confirmation was received. From the time of the Prime Minister’s broadcast at 9.15 p.m., the outbreak ol' war became the subject ot solemn comment in all homes. Local radio stations appealed to the ratings of warships to go aboard to-night.