CRISIS IN LONDON

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20065, 11 October 1939, Page 2

CRISIS IN LONDON

NEW ZEALAND VISITORS CHANGE OF PLANS The Danzig crisis caused a sudden alteration in the plans of New Zealand visitors to Britain. At this time of the year, large numbers are ending their holiday in the Old Country, and in the first days of the crisis many more decided to cut short their stay and to return home via Canada and America as soon as possible. As American citizens had been advised to leave England there were many complications in securing passages. These complications were added to by the Government order that British shipping was to remain at either end of the Mediterranean and not to pass through. Passengers on ships for these routes were advisee that their money would be refunded or they could book for later sailings. Several New Zealanders found tha' even if they could secure passages enabling them to travel by Canada and America they will have to remain in those countries until they can book their passages across the Pacific. A large number have sailed with that intention. The reception room at New Zealand House has been inundated with the inquiries of those whose plans have been altered. Many people found that additional difficulties were caused by the Government restriction on sterling. Despite the tension caused by the graveness of the international .news, however, there was no suggestion of nerves or panic, and everybody behaved with commendable calmness. Large numbers of New Zealanders, as in the September crisis of last year, wrote to the High Commissioner offering their services for the military, naval, medical, and A.R.P. forces. A letter was sent to them at the direction of the High Commissioner, thanking them for their offer and stating that he would communicate with them in the event of an emergency. Many people also offered to place cars at the disposal of New Zealand House, and a great number of doctors and nurses expressed their willingness to serve.