PREMIER’S REPLY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 139, 13 May 1940, Page 8

PREMIER’S REPLY.

TO PEOPLE’S MOVEMENT. DANGER OP PANIC. WELLINGTON, May 13. In response to the request for an immediate meeting of Parliament to examine the new situation overseas and to adopt a new and vigorous war policy within the Dominion by the Dominion president of the People’s Movement (Mr E. R. Toop), the Prime Minister (Hon. P. Eraser) has replied as follows: “Your telegram received. While grateful for suggestions to improve New Zealand’s war effort from whatever quarter they may come, and while repeating assurance frequently given that all such suggestions made in good faith and sincerity without ulterior motive, political or otherwise, will receive full consideration with a view to adopting whatever contained in them is practicable. I must point out the very grave danger of oven well-intentioned people developing, or inducing in others, undue panic dining serious developments in the Avar situation.

“I am sure you will agree that anything in the nature of seare-mongering at this critical time would bo more damaging than helpful to New Zealand’s war effort, and might even constitute a danger. New Zealand’s war achievement up to the present in regard to naval, air force, and army organisation fulfils the pledge given by the Government on behalf of the Dominion at the outbreak of war that all the resources of the country would bo placed at the disposal of the British Commonwealth and the cause of the Allies.

“The question of the effective use of the man-power of the Dominion is at present engaging the competent attention of the Government and very capable renresentatives of various industries. The. question of production, which involves the disposal of primary products overseas and shipping, is constants under action. CONSCRIPTION OF WEALTH.

“Your suggestion regarding compulsory military and civil service, in which you no doubt intended to include the conscription of wealth, is obviously too big an issue to be determined in rush fashion, and can be discussed by the representatives of the people in Parliament assembled in the light of all the facts, including the Government’s declared policy of voluntary enlistment. “Parliament is being called for a date in June, but, as previously announced,., if the necessity arises, can be called together earlier. At present everything possible is being done to assist the common cause of the Allies against .the menace, which, if not defeated, will engulf the world. “The Government- has already called upon many able citizens in all walks of life to assist ill war work, and the .response has . been’ excellent. This course will , continue to be followed, and the best brains and experience available- will be drawn upon. Your expressed desire for national unity is most laudable and reassuring, particularly in view of recent political devel-

opments in the opposite direction-Said to be associated with your organisation. Please my thanks for vour kind suggestions of assistance at this time.” ‘ ’