EFFORTS IN WAR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20087, 6 November 1939, Page 7

EFFORTS IN WAR

HOME PRESS REVIEW | PART OF DOMINIONS I NOTABLE CONTRIBUTIONS I ——— ! VALUE OF CONSULTATION (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. noon. RUGBY, Nov. 5. At a time when representatives of the Dominions and India are holding conversations in London, the editors of the Sunday newspapers take the opportunity of welcoming the remarkable unity of the Empire behind the Mother Country and of surveying the | war efforts various parts of the Empire can contribute.

The Sunday Times says: "With no exception, every Empire country is helping. Many, naturally, are limited to economic assistance, but Canada, Australia and Now Zealand arc training substantial bodies of troops and airmen. South Africa has undertaken to defend British territories in Africa if they ask for help. In deciding to recruit two divisions on a voluntary basis for service in Europe, Canada found their ranks lilted almost immediately. These troops will have the fullest mechanical equipment and may be expected, like the Canadian troops in the last war, to reach a specially high level of training.

"But the Empire's main fighting contribution seems likely to be made in the air. Australia’s effort includes building three destroyers, the reorganisation of the army on a mechanised basis, the expansion of the air force, and the training of a special infantry force to 19 squadrons. Practical Effort of N.Z. "The practical war effort of New Zealand is second to none, though naturally on a smaller scale. Not less impressive has been the spontaneity of the support by the non-self-govern-ing colonies, including so many populations distinct from us in race and colour. As Mr. Chamberlain said, they have not been forced into war by Great Britain against their will

“No ruling power has aimed so consciously at substituting consent for force as the basis of empire and replacing policies of exploitation by policies of even-handed development and local freedom. The loyalty now shown by those living beneath her flag affords testimony, which is indeed precious, that her long record of endeavour to rule disinterestedly has not been lost on the beneficiaries.”

The Observer says: "The present deliberations in London will facilitate the wise allocation of functions so that every part of the Empire may most effectually bear its part in the removal of the peril overhanging all. The industrial growth of Empire countries has rendered them capable of a most valuable contribution to the equipment of a modern fighting force. Training in Canada "Nothing is more remarkable than the instant perception of Canada's situation as the geographical centre for the preparation of air power. Tiic Mother Country and Dominions alike are preparing to organise their training of those squadrons which will ultimately overpower the utmost strength that the enemy can place in the field.” Mr. J. A. Spender, reviewing the war situation in the Sunday Times, writes: “So the question comes back to Herr Hitler. Has he any answer to file riddle he lias set for his ow., country and for all of us? Again we are left waiting and watching. Perplexity and indecision arc written all over his recent proceedings, but we must take nothing for granted and we must not let him get on our nerves.

"To wait while nothing seems to happen, and yet to be prepared for everything that may happen, is undoubtedly a strain, but the time for preparation has been valuable, and with whatever shortcomings, has been well used in all major matters. In these respects delay has been entirely to our advantage."