PLEA FOR UNITY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 24 March 1939, Page 5

PLEA FOR UNITY

MR LYONS READY TO FORM NATIONAL CABINET ' IN EVENT OF COMMON DANGER. ADDITIONS TO DEFENCE PROGRAMME. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. MELBOURNE, March 23, Willingness to co-operate in the formation of a National Cabinet of all parties because of the need for co-op-eration in Australia was expressed by the Prime Minister. Mr Lyons, today. Mr Lyons appealed for the full and active co-operation of all parties in the cause of unity against a common danger. He said he did not propose to issue a personal invitation to the Labour Party to form a National Government beyond indicating his willingness to have their co-operation. Mr Curtin, leader of the Labour Party said that the suggestion would be considered by the Labour Party. ' In a broadcast address tonight Mr Lyons appealed to all sections of the people to unite to protect and strengthen Australia and to put away their differences till happier days. Mr Lyons reviewed the European situation and said that Britain, France and other peace-loving nations had tried to collaborate with Germany, but for the time being had failed. The time for making further concessions in the hope of preserving peace had passed. “If we are not firm in this hour, we could never be certain of peace again in our generation,” he said.

Mr Lyons referred to the steps being taken to increase the strength of the army, navy and air force and announced that the Commonwealth Government had decided to make an addition to the defence programme which would cost a further £2,500,000. Australia during the next three years would be spending money on defence at the rate of £500,000 a week.