ALL STEPS TAKEN

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 September 1939, Page 5

ALL STEPS TAKEN

POSITION IN NEW ZEALAND PREPARATIONS TO MEET ANY CONTINGENCY. BROADCAST BY ACTING-PRIME MINISTER. (By Telegraph—Press Assoeialion.) WELLINGTON, This Day. The Acting-Prime Minister, Mr Fraser in a broadcast at 7 o'clock this morning, said: “Events have moved rapidly indeed since I made a statement in Parliament shortly after five o’clock last evening. It is impossible of course, to give details of what has been happening but as one of its first steps the Government arranged for the repetition from New Zealand broadcasting stations throughout the night of news reports from Daventry and those who have been listening will not need to be told that a' situation of the greatest gravity has arisen. “It would appear that without any genuine attempt at negotiation and indeed without allowing the Polish Government any reasonable opportunity of considering the terms that the German Government laid down as the sole condition upon which they would cSnsent to held their hands, Poland was attacked at an early hour last night. Throughout the night I have been in close touch with the position and in constant consultation with those of my colleagues who are principally concerned with the chiefs of the naval air and general staffs and with officers; of the Prime Minister’s Department and the organisation for national security. , • .

“During the night all necessary lib structions have been given to meet any contingency. The Orders-in-Council

that were passed last night are now in force and you will read of them m the papers. They have also been extended to the Mandated Territory of Western Samoa and to the Island dependencies of New Zealand. From an early hour, this morning announcements have been made by the Minister of Defence calling up all regular reservists and portion of the special reserve (Class HI). Those concerned are asked to listen for this announcement, which is being repeated at regular intervals. Immediate steps have been taken to establish port examination services to examine and identify all merchant ships entering defended ports, to man coastal defences and to place guards at all vital points. * “The people of this Dominion will not need an appeal to remain calm but it might be worth while to ask all concerned to await events as they come with resolution and fortitude, Every possible opportunity will be taken through the Press and over the air to keep the public constantly informed of all reliable news aand all are urged to refrain from believing or repeating rumours which may be expected to flourish at a time like this. The country may rely upon it that every possible step that is required is being taken and that there is no cause whatever for alarm in New Zealand.

“The Government, has already taken steps to assure their Majesties’ Government in the United Kingdom that the Government and people of New Zealand entirely concur with and strongly endorse steps that are still being taken by Great. Britain in her unreipitting efforts even at this late hour to avoid war and bloodshed and her determination to honour her pledged word and I.have no doubt whatever that there will be unanimous approval in this Dominion for the fullest co-operation in any eventualities with Great Britain and other portions of the British Commonwealth.”

(Continued on page 7.)