UNITED WAR EFFORT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 7 November 1939, Page 5

UNITED WAR EFFORT

EVERY EMPIRE COUNTRY HELPING

MILITARY 'AND ECONOMIC CONTRIBUTIONS. VALUE OF DELIBERATIONS IN LONDON. (Hiitisli Official Wireless.) RUGBY. November 5. Al a time when representatives of Hie Dominions and India are holding' conversations in London, the editors of Sunday newspapers take the opportunity of welcoming Hie remarkable unity rtf the Empire behind the Mother ('minify and surveying the wttr efforts which the 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 New Zealand are training substantial bodies of troops and airmen. South Africa has undertaken to defend the British territories in Africa if they ask for help. "In deciding to recruit two divisions on a voluntary, basis for service in Europe. Canada has found their ranks filled 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 the building of three destroyers, the reorganisation of the army on a mechanised basis, the training of a special infantry force, and expansion of the air force to nineteen squadrons by June 9 next.

"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-governing colonies, including so many populations which are distinct from us in race and often in colour. As Mr Chamberlain has said, they have not been forced into the war by Great Britain against their will. No ruling Power has aimed so consciously at substituting consent for force as the basis of the Empire and at replacing the policies of exploitation by the policies of even-handed development and local freedom.

"The loyalty now shown by those living beneath her flag affords the 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 a wise allocation of functions so that every part of the Empire may most effectively bear its part in the removal of the peril which overhangs all. The industrial growth of the Empire countries has renedred them capable of most valuable contribution to the equipment of the modern fighting force.

"Nothing is more remarkable than the instant perception of Canada’s situation as a geographical centre for the preparation of air power. The Mother Country and the 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."