Evening star., 1939-08-29

announced that the reserve fleet
would be called up at the beginning
Of August in order to take part in
combined fleet and air exercises.
For that purpose number OF
reservists were called up under the
provisions Of the reserve and
auxiliary forces act and as a re-
suit the navy was in an advanced
state Of preparedness when the
present crisis arose and the whole
Of our fighting fleet Is now ready
at a moments notice to take up the
disposition which would be neces-
sary in war.
A number of other measures have
been taken in the past week to in
crease the strength Of our naval
preparedness. Naval ofiicers in
charge Of various commercial ports
have been appointed and have
taken up their duties, and naval
port and base defenses have been
put in an advanced state Of pre-
paredness.
The admiralty has also assumed
control Of merchant shipping. act
ing under the powers conferred
upon them by the emergency pow
ers act. Appropriate instructions
have already been issued to mer-
chant ships in various routes, to
units Of the forces and consider
able number of movements have
been carried out both at home and
overseas. These arrangements form
part Of q prearranged plan to en-
sure q greater state Of readiness
and number of units could be
moved to war stations before the
outbreak Of war.
Civil Defense Measures.
The regional commissioners and
their staf1s are at their war sta
tions. The main responsibility Of
the organization for civil defense
measures rests with the local au-
thorities and instructions have been
sent to the local authorities to take
preparatory steps 50 that action
could be taken at the shortest
notice.
Plans for the evacuation of school
children, mothers and young chill
dren, expectant mothers and blind
persons from certain contested areas
have been evolved. Rehearsals of
the arrangements for the evacuation
of school children were carried out
yesterday and nearly Q week ago
the local authorities were warned to
make arrangements for the extinc-
ton of public lights and to prepare
the necessary aids to have the light
ing extinguished.
Arrangements have also been
completed for the calling up at short
notice of the personnel of the air
raid precaution services and duty
officers will be available the neces-
sary preliminary steps have been
taken to prepare hospitals for the
reception of casualties.
I have given these instances Of the
steps which have been taken over
and above the measures which have
already been put in operation Com
plete surveys have been carried out
over the whole range of our defense
preparations.
Preparatory measures have been
taken in order to insure that pre-
cautionary measures, If and when
necessary could be readily given
effect to as rapidly as possible.
The issue of peace or war is still
undecided. We still hope and will
work for peace, but we will not
abate any jot of our resolution to
hold fast to the lines which we have
laid down for ourselves"
Position Of Great Anxiety.
After Mr.. Chamberlain conclud-
ed Foreign Secretary Lord Halifax,
addressing the House of Lords, ex-
pressed convictions similar to those
OF the Prime Minister, saying the
position remains one of great
anxiety and danger but hope must
not be finally abandoned; there is
still hope that reason may prevail" I"
Arthur Greenwood, acting leader
OF the labor opposition, said in
Commons after the Prime Minis
ter's address: "On these issues, we
are adamant and immovable. The
door is still ajar. I hope it will re-
main ajar until 1t closes against the
angel of death and the menace of
aggression. No nation in Europe
would make war except one"
Mr.. Greenwood urged immediate
evacuation of London and other
populous centers, saying:
Suppose the storm broke on Sat-
urday? 1t might be two, three or
four days before evacuation could
take place to the extent visualized.
Unless We evacuate now, the re-
sponsibility for the deaths which
are caused will lie on that side of
the house (the government) and not
upon us.
"Rehearsals are not enough"
Liberals Back Government.
Sir Archibald Sinclair, speaking
for the Liberal opposition, said:
"At this moment, agree with his
majesty's government that they
should have the solid support of all
peace-loving people in this country.
THE last word rests with Herr
Hitler"
Mr.. Greenwood said Poland will
not have to follow to the grave those
nations that were the victims of ag-
r. @l~&