DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 April 1940, Page 5

DEFENCE OF FREEDOM

SWITZERLAND RESOLYED MILITARY COMMANDER’S DECLARATION. DANGER FACED FROM THREE POINTS. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. LONDON. April 21. The Commander-in-Chief of the Swiss Army saicl today that Switzerland intended to remain master of her own house, and that, for that purpose no sacrifice would be too great. “We are free, and we shall remain free." he said. Switzerland faced danger from three points. Apart from external danger, there was danger from within. This arose from the fact that certain foreigners did not understand that the Swiss would not tolerate any act of sabotage, propaganda, or false news against Switzerland. The third danger came from among the Swiss themselves, who did not always understand the gravity of the situation and the need for sacrifice. A. Geneva message states that the Government has suspended the university course for German law students many of whom are declared to be "engaged in activities contradicting Swiss neutrality and endangering the national security.” SETTLEMENT EFFORT AUSTRALIAN COAL STRIKE. COMPULSORY CONFERENCE SOUGHT. CANBERRA. April 22. The Leader of the Opposition. Mr. Curtin, announced in the House of Rcpresentatievs today that the executive of the combined mining unions had approved the Australian Council of Trade UYnions approaching the Federal Arbitration Court for the purpose of convening a compulsory conference of the parties in the coal strike. Mr. Curtin expressed the hope that these negotiations would pave the way for a settlement of the strike so as to avoid the Commonwealth Government resorting to drastic action.