SUDDEN ATTACK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 1 May 1942, Page 3

SUDDEN ATTACK

ON FEDERAL GOVERNMENT ATTRIBUTED TO MENZIES & SUPPORTERS. AGAINST WISHES OF LEADER OF OPPOSITION. (By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright) CANBERRA, April 30. A Federal political crisis was precipitated today when the Opposition parties at a joint meeting reached a surprise decision to challenge the Government on the question of sending Australian troops, both volunteers and militia, overseas.

This decision was reached after long and heated discussions. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr Fadden, it is understood, strongly opposed the move, which is believed to be sponsored by Mr Menzies and his supporters. The Prime Minister, Mr Curtin, declared that he would accept the challenge and treat it as vital. ACTION TONIGHT REPORTED OPPOSITION DISSENSION. (Received This Day, 10 a.m.) CANBERRA, This Day. It is expected that the Opposition challenge will be launched late tonight, probably as an amendment to Mr Curtin’s formal motion of yesterday for the printing of the paper containing his statement on the international situation. It is expected to be in the form of a declaration that the Defence Act provisions prohibiting militia service outside Australian territory should be deleted. It is now reported that the originators’ challenge will comprise a South Australian bloc anxious to depose Mr Fadden and reinstate Mr Menzies as leader of the Opposition. Mr Hi ihes is known to be opposed to the challenge, which is expected to be defeated. 1