UNITED EMPIRE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20099, 20 November 1939, Page 9

UNITED EMPIRE

COMMON WAR EFFORT SPIRIT OF CO-OPERATION DOMINIONS* VITAL AID MINISTERS’ ADDRESSES (Klee. Tel. Copyright—United Pros* Assn.) (British Oflic.iiil Wireless.) Reed. !) a.m. ■ RUGBY, Nov. 18. The Dominions' Secretary. Mr. Anthony Eclcn, visiting Ministers, and representatives of the Indian Government to-day addressed a meeting of international journalists. Mr. Eden said that the discussions had covered the whole strategical, economic and financial field ol' common effort and had resulted in all

giving much valuable knowledge, and had given a full assurance of the spirit of co-operation and that the resources of India and the Dominions would be used in the most effective economical manner.

Great as were the results of such cooperation in 1914, they would be greater now that the Dominions were more widely developed and industrialised, and the contribution in material would be in a measure and at a rate many times greater. Mr. Eden mentioned, as an example, the great Empire air training scheme to be carried out in Canada, which he described as unique. The visiting Ministers had heavy departmental duties in their own countries which would necessitate their early return, but certain experts brought would stay as long as necessary. Unanimity in Canada

The Canadian Minister of Mines and Resources, Mr. T. A. Crerar. said that Canada had entered The war free of constraint _ and by practically the unanimous decision of the Canadian Parliament. There was a natural desire to stand by Britain’s side, but also the pioneering spirit and the consequent love of freedom, and liberty and the individual’s right to live his own life were still strong in Canada.

“If the philosophy of the Nazi Socialist in Germany triumphs in Europe, we realise sooner or later that its shadow will be thrown across our Dominion,” said Mr. Crerar. The Australian Minister of Supply Development, Mr. R. G. Casey, said the Australian Government had sent him to find out how the greatest assistance could be given to the common cause. German wireless propaganda had been engaged in an effort to discount the probability of active participation in the war by the Dominions.

“Do not be misled by this,” said Mr. Casey. “Australia and the rest of the Empire will pull their full weight.” The ultimate issue was not in doubt, for neither Britain nor Australia had anything to gain except continued freedom, and that was not going to be lost. Mr. Casey spoke enthusiastically of the French determination. He concluded: “I do not under-eshmate Germany, but she cannot stand up to the might of the Allies, who have the right and best interests of mankind on their side.” Mr. Fraser’s Assurance Speaking on behalf of New Zealand, Mr. P. Fraser said the subject of his visit had been achieved and it would ensure the utmost assistance in the measures New Zealand was taking to play a full part, both in men and supplies. Speaking of his country’s attitude to the struggle, Mr. Fraser said: “We are fully at one with the people of the United Kingdom and the other Dominions and France in our determination —which we arrived at with the greatest reluctance and regret—that, after a long period of intolerable aggression, it has become unquestionably necessary to take a stand once and for all against the ruthless application of force in international relations and the cruel persecution of peoples who arc unable to protect themselves. We could take no other course, if democracy and civilisation arc to survive or, indeed, if human decency is to prevail in the world.”

The South African Minister of Native Affairs, Colonel D. Reitz, said that some irresolution amongst Dutchspeaking South Africans was noticeable on the outbreak of the war but, as. the spectacular electoral assurances within the last few days showed, the whole country was now rallying to General Smuts.

After describing the scope of the discussions and the complete agreement reached at the meetings with the Imperial Government Ministers, he also spoke of his visit to France, saying: “I do not believe 10,000,000 Germans could break the Maginot Line nor break the British front.” Sir Muhammad Zafrullah Khan said whatever differences they might have, India, like ail other parts of the Empire, was determined to fight Nazi aggression and bluster.