Morning Bulletin. Sept 5th 1939 The Ministry of Information announces:­THE HJTERNATIONAL SITU.ATION. ----...--....··--·--·.....~...·...--,----··--·~-·--·--·-­On the outbreak of war between Great Britain and Germany, arrangements were made by the Foreign Office for the safe del)arture from England of Dr. Kordt, the German Charge d'Affaires and the staff of the German Embassy. They left London shortly after 7 p.m. yester~ay by train from Victoria for Gravesend where they embarked on the Dutch S.S. "Ba.tavi a IV. n They were seen off at Victoria by Sir John Menck, Vice­Marshall of th e Diplomatic Corps. S.S. 11 Batavia rvn of the Batavi er line, had been reserved for the exclusive use of the German Embassy $taff. Before her sailing time, however, word was received from His Majesty's Ambassador at '11he Hague that the German Government had refused to allow Sir Nevile Henderson and his staff to cross the German frontier until the German Embassy staff had been released from England. In the circumstances, H.M.G. were glad to avail themselves of the kind offer of the Netherlands Government to act as go-between. They intimated their willingness to allow the "Batavia IVT! to sail with her passengers to Rotterdam on condition that if the British Embassy staff were not then allowed to cross over into Holland, the German Embassy staff would be sent back to England. While these negoti ations were going on, it was thought desirable to hold the "Batavia IV11 at Gravesend. At 10.40 l ast night it was realised that agreement had been reached SB to the procedure. .Accordingly the ''Batavia IV!! was released at 11~35 p.m. It is expected that the exchange will be effected by the Netherlm1ds Government today. The following, telegram ha'S been sent to Mo Dadadier "fuW' the Prime Minister:­ A.t this time when Great Brita,in and France are renewing, their comradeship in arms to resist aggression and defend th& cause of honourable feeling among nations, I send to you, M. le President de la'. Conseil, and through you to the French people, the cordial greetings of the people of t.hiS'. c:ountry~ Our hopes of peace which we sought so s:trenuously to preserve have been shattered by the wanton ~ttack on. Polando "Now side by side we both take up a:irms with the sur~ knowledge t]J.nt no nations have ever entered a-war with a juster cause. "I am confident that the sacrifices which we: a:re prepared to make together will not be in vain and tha't right will prevail.n Signed Neville Ghamberlain. 11 DOMINION AFFAIRS. The following message has been sent by Mr. Anthony Eden to the Governments of Canada~ of the Commonwealth of Australia1 New Zealand~ the Union of South Africa and Eire. "His Majesty has this day entrusted to me the seals of the Dominions Office ai1d it has been arranged that I shall have special access to the Viar Cabinet at all times, in order that I may be in a position to maintain contact between it and the Dominion Governments. I feel proud that this responsible task should have been confided to me at this time. My appointment as Secretary of State for Dominion Af~airs has taken effect in days which are grave and anxious for us all, but I am glad to think that I come to it with many happy recollections of contacts and friendships made both in London and at Geneva with the Prime Ministers and other Ministers f'rom the countries of the British Connnonwealth. I shall spare no effort, to further the work of co-operatioh and an confident that the happy relations which have been maintained with my predecessors will be continued during m,y term of office. EDEN II COLONIAL NEWS. Mr. Malcolm MacDonald, Secretary for the Colonies, has addressed the following personal message to all. Colonial Territories:­"I know that while the, war clouds were hanging threateningly over us the peoples of British 1.ands overseas were hoping fervently for the maintenance of peace with all its blessings, and yet were prepa~ing ca.lmly and resolutely for the supreme test of war, if it should arise. Our know1-edge of the feelings of 60,000,000 of our fellow citizens in Colonial. ~erritories has sustained us in Great Britain in our efforts for peace and steeled us in our own preparations for war. Unhappily the work of the peacemakers has been finally thwarted, and we have been forced to enter upon hostilities not only to honour our pledges to friends, but to secure the survival of good faith and liberty amongst civilised peoples. We in the United Kingdom are prepared to make whatever sacrifices may be necessary in the course of this struggle. We shall be ever mindful that you in Colonial territories are sharing our task and our burdens, and our sympathy and sense of comradeship with you will. be constant. In the words of His Majesty the King, let us all "stand calm, firm and united in this time of trial". The J.on.g and happy association of so many peoples of different races and creeds under the British Grown is itself the best proof that the ideal of peaceful and fruitfU.l co-operation . between diverse peopless who are willing to understand an:d respect each other, is attainable; and that kn.owl.edge W'ill fortify us. in our fight to secure the establishment of that ideal in the wider world." MALCOLM MACDONALD. Announcements Two announcements are being made today by the Board of Trade. 1. On Control of Shipbuilding and Ship repairing. 2. On Export of Civil Aircraft. Hand-outs will shortly be available in the Press Room. ANNOU.NC:PJ,A.El\TT • The French Consulate General in London h.:1,s issued the following instruction to all French residing or at present in Encland who have been called to the colours. Contrary to previous indications, all .the men should gather at the French Consulate in London, 51, Bedford Square~ W. C.1. ~ on .fodnesday, September 6th at 12 midday instead of z -,j,1.J.. as l.Jreviously 2.nn·ounced. L:en are requested to brins ·(vi th them food for one meal. 1.EINISTRY OF INFORNJ~T ION EV:GNilTG BULL=:JTIN 5 5th September 1939 The 1-Linistry of Information announces:­ INT:SRl'L'l.TIONi!..L SITUA.TIOH The King has received the followinc reply to the telegram which he addressed yesterday to the President of the French Republic; 11 I thank Your 1'.iajesty for the message which You have been so kind as to send me at this solemn occasion in the destiny of our two countries united once more in the defence of their honour and their freedow. The British people are making ready, as they did t wenty-five years ago in the reign of Your August Father, to engac-;e side by side -vvi th th® French people in the most noble undertaking -resistance to one of the most hateful acts of agzression recorded in history. In the name of France I salute the British people with emotio.n. The ideal vrhich inspires France and Great Britain, their confidence in the strength of their union, will make them invincible.rr Albert Lebrun. At this mor.uent ~ivhen the British En:;pire has taken up ;:,rms at the side of J?oland agG.inst the nation which has violated the ide2.,ls of liberty 2.nd justice common to both J3ritain 2.nd Polnnd I beg to request you to convey to the 3lorious ..\rrny of His Britannic 1\-'::ajesty the comr2.dely greetings of the Polish 1'u'rny. Smi1;ly-Eydz j L1orshnl of Poland. AIR AFF.:U.11§. On the night of the 4th/5th September a further extensive reconnais sance was carried out by a,ircraft of the Tioyal l'.ir Force over the Ruhr. ! '~ore th2n three million copi.es of a note to the German peoiJle were dropped. Our aircraft were not engaged by enemy fi.:;hters. On this encl the previous occasion all our aircraft returned safely. The 1..inistry of Labour in Canada announce the for::.J.2-°Gion of a Prices and Trade Boo.rel, with 1-Vide powerr:3 to check o,ny c1ttem~Jts 8.t profiteerin:; in food, fu.el o..nd other necessities. -·~.n advisory coii1Dlittee is beinc; set up in conjunction with the Board, •:rhich will not, it is pointed out, supersede the duties of existing controls such as the -Nheat Bo2,rc7-and the Salt Fish Board" Jt is reported, from Jmgora that th.e Germon-'11urkish Commercial Treat y 1 which expired on I..usust 31, has not been r0nev1ed.. Ministry of' Information No.6 5/9/39. Brit ain can now feel that the recent differences with the .Arabs have been laid a side, and that once again these stout fighters are at her side in a great war. A leading article in HFalestin11 , the influential Arab paper in Jerusalem, declares that the Arabs "with the magnanimity that is their chief characteristic, instinctively support the right," so that nit is not strange if they rally to the side of democracy, while aloud their leaders in Egypt, Syria and Irak compete in declaring their co-operation with the democracies aga~nst aggression.•... The Ar cbs now set aside their local issue in order to ple.y their role in this world conflict.n The writer denounces Germeny's "reckless arrogance," and says that i n the forefront of the nations she has arrayed against her," marches Britannia, upholding principles of' civilisation and hllmanity, and enjoying the support of threequarters of the world.n Nowhere has German propaganda been more lavish -and more extravagant by false-than among the Ar abs. It is gratifying indeed to find that this has not ali.enated a people who are traditional friends and who are ready to forget differences and recent troubles in Palestine now that England is at war for a world cause. The text of the mess age of sup~ort which the Emir Abdullah of Trans-Jordan hss sent to the King is issued this morning. Tho l!lnir states: 11 In the san1e spirit iJlli th which my late Father, King Husein, took part with his l ate Majesty; King George the Fifth, in the last gr eat war, so also today I and my people ste.nd fast besicte you, and I take tl1is opportunity publicly to affirm my support to your just cause and to express my loyalty and sympathy at this critical hour. 11 NO. 6.f,. 5/9/39 Ministry of Information FOR SCOTTISH NLX/SPAPERS. , A Civilian Medical Reserve of Medical Officers for treatment of casualties in hospi.tals has been organised by the Ministry of Health and the Department of Health for Scotlando It is known. as the Emergency Medical Serviceo Medical officers in this serYice who have been called up for whole-time duty in hospitals will wear on the right arm a twil.J. brassard bearing the letters EcM.S. in deep red on a blue background" This brassard wil1 be available in a f.ew days for purchase by such officers at Messrs= Boots' 1ar~ger shops :tn the following towns j_n. Scotland ·-Ed.iniburgh~ GJ_asgow, Aberdeen and Invernesso Medical office!'s should invariably wear the:i.r brassards vYhen on d.utyo .. Naval News Section. 5-th September, 1939. FLASH BULLI.:,TIN No.6. Information has been received th2;t the German ships 1'0linda11 and 11Carl Fritzen11 have been sunk and that their crews are safe. Pa.rtioulars of ships. 110lindan Owned by He~:~burg South fajnerica Steamship Company. 4576 tons gross Reported to have sailed from Buenos .A.ires on 29th August for H2..mburc:;. 11Carl Fritzen11 Owned by J.Fritzen and Sons. 6599· tons gross Reported to be bound fro1::; So-h~_H~lla~ Canad.ar--OJ;>~-es-..-· Ministry of Inf2rmation. Naval News Section. 5th September, 1939 FLASH BULLETIN No.7. It is reported that the British S.S. Bosnia has been sunk. All hands have been rescued by Norwegian tanker "Eidanger," but fireman WOODS is reported dead. Cunard S.S. Co. Ltd., intermediate Cargo Line 2400 tons. ) Empire Affairs (News) COMMUNIQUE. The High Commissioner for India cohsiders it desirable to maintain a register of all Indian students at present in the United Kingdom in order that he may be in a position to communicate with them from time to time if and when necessary. All Indian students are therefore advised to send their names and addresses (and any subsequent changes) by post to the Secretary (Education Department) Office of the High Commissioner for India, India House, Aldwych, London, W.C.2., together with particulars of any information or advice they may require. Ministry of Information No. 7. 5/9/1939 General Post Office Notice. It is important that Post Office Savings Bank depositors and National Savings Certificate holders should take steps to safeguard their bank books and certificates. They are also advised to keep separate records of their accounts or holdings. A Savings Bank depositor should keep a record of the office and number shown on the cover of his bank book a:hd of the balance in his account; a Certificate holder should keep a record of his holder's number and of the serial nurnber, date of issue and pUPchase price of each Certificate. In case of loss or destruction of books or Certificates, it will be of great assistance in dealing with claims if these particulars can b• furnished. No. 8· 5/9/39 Ministry of Information Applications for Emergency Commissions. The War Office would be glad if the following couJ.d be broadcast and issued to the Press:­ "The War Office announce in connection with Reception Units at Officer Producing Groups, set up for dealing with written applications for emergency commissions, that applications can only be entertained from persons with the following qualifieations:­ . . 1 • Holders of "B" Certificate, gained in Senior Divisions of the Officers' Training Corps. 2. Holders of Officers' Qualification Certificate, gained in an Officer Producing Unit of the Territorial Army•. Ex-Officers of the Regular Army9 Territorial Army, or Supplementary Reserve, who are not members of the Regular Anny Reserve of Officers, or Territorial Army Reserve of Officers. 4. Holders of Certificate "A" and candidates recommended for commissions by authorities of a University (who will be considered for vacancies in Officer Cadet Training Units for further training before beingcornrnissioned. Without one or other of these qualifications, commissions can only be obtained through the ranks. In special cases, candidates between the age of 31 and 60 may pe accepted, provided they have had previous commissioned service in the Army, or are in possession of special technical academic or other qualifiactions. The numbers in this latter category are not urgently required at present and owing to pressure of work applicants cannot expect an interview for some time. All categories are particularly requested not to apply in person to Reception Units." 5/9/39 Einjstry of Informatt.q_g THE C:::R8ALS J\ND CER~AL PRO.,PUCT§. .ir-Z~:,UL:iITION _'.\l\T:C COH'l'IWL) Q.f:Dl"£2_ _ l 939. The Cerea.ls and Cereal Products (Hec1uisition a.no. Control) Order3 1939, made under the Defence l~egulo.tions contains provisions which affect )ersons who hold stocks of cereals or cereal products rrhether in or outside the United Kingdoi.iL The Order takes ·effect imrnedic.tely. Stocks of cereals and cereal products in the United Kinc;dora either e.float or in public port or rail-r;ay granaries or wa.rehouses are requisitioned from every person (other thQn a flour or provender railler) if the total gross w·eie:;ht of the stocks exceecls 50 tons. Stocks of cereals and cereal products {including those owned by eny miller) arriving in the United Kinc;dom after the Or cier comes into force will be requisitioned or arrival. Ever;}T person (including every miller) who is in possession of stocks situ2ted outside the United Kingdom is req_u.ired (if the total g-ross ·weight exceeds lOOtons) to comply Yfi th any directions by the :Joard of Trade for securing the tre.nsfer to them of the ow·nership of those stocks. The Bo.::-.rd. of Trade are prepared to purchase these stocks i mmediately from the pr esent ov'l!1ers. Deo..ling in cereals and cereal products outs i cie the United Kingdom is prohibited except under a licence from the Board of Trade. It is :provided that every person ( includin;; every miller) vrho is in possession of any stocks of cereal s or cereal products ~yE-erev_er situo.t~d is re<:l,uired, if the total :;-ross weic;ht of such stocks exceeds 50 tons, wit hin forty-ei:.:;ht :i10urs to furnish to the Port Area Gra.in Committee within whose :::.rea. his ordinary place of business is aituated a return of 2.ll hi s stocks. A form of return will be supplied by r ort Area Grain Coi~1IllittGes, on applice.tion~ to all persons v;hose stocks are requisitioned and who are liable to m2.1rn returns under this Order. These Committees are located in Belfess & B~B. C. IMPORTED CANNED MEAT The Food (Defence Plans) Department announce that an Order requisitioning stocks of imported canned meat has been made to come into effect as from midnight tonight. Every person holding over 5 tons must furnish to the Food (Defence Plans) Department full particular.s of stocks. Further arrivals Im.lst be similarly notified. All those affected by the Order should until further notice suspend delivery of imported canned meat except by direction of the Food (Defence Plans) Department. MINliSTRY OF INFORMATION No.21. 5.9.39. PRESS AND B.B.C. PRICES OF FAT CATTLE AND SHEEP An Order has been made under the Defence Regulations provisionally fixing the maximum prices at which all categories of fat cattle and sheE7_P for S'l'.aughter may be sold. The order pre-scribes that the prices at which such livestock shall be sold shall not exceed the average of a. similar description of livestock ruling during the week ended 26th August. Food (Defence Plans) Dept. ) Ho. 22 5/9/39 Ministry of Informationo Under the Cereal and Cereal Products Requisition and Control Order which came into force yesterday all stocks (excel)t millers, stocks) of cereals and cereal products 1·n the United Kingdom either afloat or in Public port or railwe,y grun2,ries or vvarehouses have been requisitioned, if they exceed 50 tons. Stocks of cereals and cereal products arriving in this country will be requisitioned on arrival. ~very person in possession of stocks outside the United Kingdom is required to comply with the Board of Trade's directions to secure the transfer of ownership of the stocks which the Board is prepared to purcha.se immediately. De2.ling in cereals and cereal products outside the United Kingdom is prohibited except under licence from the Board of Trade. _/.Ill persons (including millers) in possession of stocks of over 50 tons of ceree.ls and cereal products wherever situated are required to furnish returns of their Stocks within 48 hours to the Port .Area Gre,in Committee in whose Area this ordinary plc,ce of business is situated. The Headquarters of these Comnittees are at Belfast, Bristol, Hull, Glasgow, Leithj Liverpool cmd London. BOARD OF TRADE ANNOUNCEMENT Export of Civil Aircraft Modification of Open General Export Licence No.G.L.1~ The following is the text of a Board of Trade Order which replaces the Board's Order dated 29th August,1939with regard to the Open General Export Licence No.G.L.168 (which permits the export from the United Kingdom to any destination of civil aircraft or aircraft engines):­ "The Board of Trade hereby order as follows:­ For paragraph (ii) of the Order made by the Board of Trade on the 31st day of August, 1939, suspending the operation of Open General Export Licence No.GcL.168, there shall be substituted the following paragraph: "(ii) any aircraft flying in accordance with the terms and conditions of a permit in writing issued by the Secretary of State for Air under paragraph 3 of the Air Navigation (Restriction in Time of War) Order, 1939, or" By Order of the Board of Trade. Dated this fourth day of September, 1939. (signed) R.J.Shackle An Assistant Secretary of the Board of Trade. 11 The Board have made this amending order because paragraph 2 of the Air Navigation (Emergency Restriction) Order, 1939 (which provided for the issue of dispensations by the Air Ministry) has now been replaced by paragraph 3 of the Air Navigation (Restriction in Time of War) Order. Board of Trade. 5th September, 1939. BOARD OF TRADE ANNOUNCEMENT~ Control of Shipbuilding and Shiprepairing. The Board of Trade yesterday made Orders under the Defence Regulations affecting the shipbuilding and shiprepairing industries. These Orders provide that ships may only be built or repaired in the United Kingdom under the authority of a licence granted by the Board of Trade. . Licences will be required in respect of work at present in hand, but it is not intended that any such work should be suspended unless a notification to this effect is given by the Board of Trade. Shipbuilde~s and shiprepairers are, however, required to furnish to the Board of Trade full details of the Merchant ship building or repair worlc they now have in hand. Board of Trade, 5th September, 1939. PRESS NOTICE. The Postmaster General announces that the Air Mail services via France to North and West Africa, South .America and French Indo-China are temporarily suspended. General Post Officeo 5th s.eptemlll:er 1939. THE FOLLOWING COMMUNI QUE IS BEING ISSUED BY THE GOV.SRNl,:ENT OF INDIA SIMULTANEOUSLY WITH THE PUBLICA'rION (_oN TH~ MORNING OF 5TH SEPTEhmER) OF THE DESPATCH SETTING FORTH THE MAIN RECQi,IMENDATIONS. OF THE EXPERT CObMITTEE ON INDIAN DEFENCE, o OF WHICH ADMI RAL OF THE FLEET LORD CHATFIELD WAS CHAIRrviA::>f, AITD O:B1 HIS 1':!.AJESTY' S GOVEENMENTS CONCLUSIONS THEREON. The Governr,1ent of India have for many months past been in consultation with His Eajest y 's Government in regard to :the re-eq_uipment and modernisation of the defence forces in India. That matter, as will be remembered, was recently investigated at the invitation of the Government of India by an expert committee appointed by His Majesty's Government under the Chairmanship of Admiral of the Fleet Lord Chatfield, which submitted in the light of their investigations recommendations to His Lajesty's Government. The nature of those recommendations and the conclusions which His Majesty's Government has reached upon them are embodied in a despatch which is appended to this cmnmunig_ue.I It will be seen that His :.ajesty' s Government contemplate a very substantial contribution to the process of re-eq_uipment and modernisation; and the Government of India, after careful consideration, have intimated to His Majesty's Government their acceptance of the conclusions of the Committee as embodied in that despatch, ru"'ld of the prop-osal.s of His 1dajesty' s Government thereon. They take the opportunity to express their appreciation of the very substantial contribution which His Majesty's Government, at a time of great financial stress, have decided to make to capital cost of re-eq_uipment and reorganisation, and of their co-operation in this matter. cQ11IJ'\JI lJlil I Q,TJB (Sir.rnltaneous publication in I ndia has be~rranged.) for India to the yiceroy , convey~.ng t h e main :r:e~E.I-11mendationE7_. of the Exert Committe8 on I ndian_pefence , of ·which Admiral of the F1eet Lord Cha.tfield was. Chairr.o.an., and His Majesty' s Gove:i:·nment ' s conclusions thereon . His Excellency t h e l'Tost Hon . the Marquess of Linli thgow , PC. ,KT. ,GHSI. , GJ\1TIE. ,etc. My Lord Marquess, On the 13th September 1938 an announcement was made on behalf of His Majesty's Government in the following t enns : ­ "As was indicated by the Secretary of State for War in his speech on the Army Est:imates on 10th March of this year the Prime Minister at that time authorised the initiation of discussions regarding the rele of l and and air forces . in India in relation to the defence problems of India and the :&1pire. ":S oth the military and financial aspects of this question have been considered in detail. The outccme of these discussions at the stage so far reached has recently been consider·ed by His Majesty's Goverrun.ent. 11 The need for early action to place the defence organi sation of India on a more se.tisfactory basis is accepted. It has not been possible in the time available to reach agreement on all matters which have presented themselves for consideration in the course of these discussions. But definite progress has been made, and in the light of this progress an offor has been made by His Majesty's Govern.'!lent 2. in the United Ki:::i.gdom, subject to approval of Parli9:..ncnt, to in01~earis by £500,000 as frcm 1st April n sxt , the r;1.:rmua1 grant of £1, 500, 000 which has been fD.. id to the Government of India since 1933 · ·a"".,.,. df 1·• a • in a1 o~ inaian e ence exp0na1~ure 1n accor ance with the recor.r.JTIEmdci:tion of the Garra.n Tribunal. In addition, His Majesty's Gover-r.unont in the United Kingdom propose to ask ParlismG11t to autho:rise the offer to the Government of India of a c·apital grant up to £5,000,000 for the re-equip:nent of certain British and Indian units in India, and in addition to authorise the provision of aircraft for the re-equipment of certain squadrons of the Royal Air Force. T~e precise scope and cost of these proposals have not yet been determined in detail. Further, it has been agreed that four British Battalions should be transferred from the Indian to the Imperial Establi st.unent; three battalions will be transferred at once and the fourth will follow as soon as can be conveniently arranged. Finally> in connection with the discussions which have taken place in London, the Government of India have suggested that His Majesty's Government should send out an expert body of enquiry to India, at the earliest opportunity, to investigate the military a,nd financial aspects of the problems on the spot, and to submit a report before the discussions between the two Governments are carried to their conclusion. His Majesty's Government have accepted this suggestion and appointed an expert 3. coIT.cm.i ttee, with the following terms of referer:.ce: "Having regard to the increased cost of modern annaments, to the desirability of orga.nis:i.:ng, equi::,:Jping and maj.ntaini:ng the Forces in India. in accordance with modern requirenents, and to the limited resources available in India for defence expenditure, to examine and report, in the light of experie11ce gained in executing the British re-armament prograrnme, how these resources can be used to the best advantage , and to make recamme11.da.tions . "The expert c ammi ttee, with which the Defence Department of the Gover:nment of India will be associated, will be presided over by Admiral of the Fleet Lord Chatfield. They will leave England during October, and it is hoped that they will be able to report early in 193911• 2. The Report of Lord Chatfield's Camnittee was presented to His Majesty' s Governnent on the 6th February 1939 . His Majesty's Government have sine e been considering the Report in consultation with Your Excellency and have now arrived at c~rtain conclusions upon it . The Report itself necessarily contains materi al which it would not be in the pul.Jlic interest to disclose, and it is not therefore intended to publish its text . I am, however, authorised t o c ommunicate herewi th to Your Excellsncy fo::c publication the substance of i ts main reco~.mendations and of His Majesty's Government's conclusions thereon. 4. 3. As Your Excellency is aware, Lord Chatfield's Conunittee maintaj_ned close and constant touch with the defence authorities in the course of their work in India, anc1 t :.--ie recorm11end_2,tions in the Report reflect in large measure their joint conclusions i n so f 5. frontier watch and ward and internal security. They concluded? hmvever9 that for many !'ea.sons the suggestion cannot be supportea. They noted that the personnel of separ ate specialised Forces would not be int.erehnr1s-~ablc and conseg_uently great practicaJ difficulties would be met with as regarQs ths reliefs and the training of units in the various compo:r~ents 7 vvhile the constitution of Forces of which the component parts cannot readily be interchanged is in itself unsound from the point of view of elasticity and economy of force. Moreover 9 such Forces would almost ce1"'ta.inly prove more 7 . costly than general purpose troops. Specialj_sation of this nature would involve the conversion of a large part, if not the whole 9 of the Regular Indian Ar'my, at any rate, into groups of forces which would -be incapable of operating anywhere outside their local spheres. On the other hand the Br'i tish Uni ts which now form an integral part of the Army Forces in India must in any case be maintained in such a state that they are readily interchangeable with units on the Home Establishment; and it would clearly be detrimental both to efficiency and morale if any por-tion of the Indian Army were organised and eg_ui:pped on a markedly lower basis. The Committee concluded that in the interests of Indian defence the whole of the Army Forces in India should be modernised with only such minor variations as would not affect the general level of efficiency. 6. 6. They t 0erefore recomme~ded a through-going scheme for t~10 re-eq_uipment o:f all -branches of the Service, p2rticu1ars of v1hj_ch are gi vcn in tho Appendi x to this despatch. It will be noted that one of the most important features of the modernj.sation proposals is the mechanisation of the ca:v:?).r~r and or tho first line t_r._f:J:_nsp_ort. o_f a__)_;_s.r_go portion of the_ j _ nf9.nt_r,7 with the object of greatly increasing the mobility of the units. 7 . Wi th the i ncreased efficiency and mobility afforded by moder-nisat ion it becomes poss:i_ble t o provide an eg_u.al measure of sccur:L ty vii th a smaller number of troops 1 though it has to -be recognised thet the maintenance costs of a modernised unit necessarily hicher. The Cornmi ttee car•efully considered these factors in r-elation to the dEJ:fence requirements of In.dis. and to the need for keepi ng the maintenance costs of the Army wit h i n the compass of Y1hat I ndia can afford. The financial effects of their recommendations are dealt with later. The actual reductions as regards British Units are as follows. The Committee noted that since 1st July 1938 one British Cavalry Regiment and fOl.1-r British I nfant ry Battalions had already been withdravm or earmarked for wi thdrav:al from India. In addition to t his, their proposals involve the withdrawal of one Regi ment of Field Artillery9 one Regiment of Medimn Artillery, and three R.H.A. Batteries, and of one cavalry Regiment ( since increased to two in consultation 7. with Your Exce1lency) and two Battalions of Infantry; and effect is alre&dy being given to these further withdrawals. 'I'he tots.I recluction of British Troops as measured with their establish.ment on the 1st July 1938 is 8 . For the scme Peasons a reduction in _t_h._e number of Indic:.n uni ts viill also be..in:vo.l_y~4· It has to bo remembered that vrhile the reduction of British Units on tl1e Indian Establishment implies tri.eir transfer to the Home Esta..blishrnent and consequently their retention as a part of the available combata~t forces, the reduction of' Indian units must be absolute except in so far as they can be employed9 at ·the cost of other than Indian Revenues, in overseas stations. In present world circurnstancei::., however 9 it would clearly be imprudent to la;sr dow·.a any hard--anc1-fast programme involving an absolute r·educti.on of the available combatant forces; and the time and occasion for any actual reduction will have to be fully considered _h.ereafter. In any event such a r·eduction vvould ·be pr_o_:portionatel:y: much less than that of Britis~ troops. 9. As regards the Air and Naval Forces9 the Committee made proposals for the re-equipment of the Air Squadrons maintained in India and :r01~ the re-equipment of the Royal Indian Navy. In the case of the Royal Air Force~ as stated in the announcement of the 13th September9 1938 quoted in the first paragraph of this Despatch? 8. His Majesty's Government had already agreed to make a capital grant for the re-equipment of certain squadrons. A sum of approximately £1,700,000 has been provided for this purpose and the re-equipment of fo'\,lr Bomber squadrons is now in progreE;s. The proposals of the Committee include the complete re-equipment of the remainder of the R.A.P.. squadrons in India (as shown in the Appendix) and measures to bring the transport and stock of stores for War requirements up to the requisite standard. With regard to the Royal Indian Navy the proposals are related to the agreement reached between His Majesty's Government and Your Excellency's Government in 1937 and announced in the Communique dated 26th February, 1938. They include the provision of four new escort veBsels making an event~al total force of six modern vessels together with adequate measures for the local naval defence of India. In addition, proposals are made to modernise the coast defences at the principal ports. 10. The Committee further recommended a scheme for re-organising anc1 where necessa:r"J expanding the Ordnance Factories in India which supply all three Services. While recognising that the greater part of the initial equipment required under their modernisation plans would have to be provided from sources outside India, they accepted the principle that thereafter India should as far as possible be made in all major respects self-sufficient in munitions in time of war. They gave f'u11 weight to the possibility of drawing on the resources of private 9. enterprise in India in this connection. They concluded however, that in the present state of industrial develo?ment it is necessary to place first reliance on the Government Factories. ll. After carefully examining the Committee's proposals, His Majesty's Government consider that they should be accepted subject only to a few minor modifications and to the further consideration of certain aspects, which however do not materially affect the Committee's scheme as a whole• In reaching this conclusion they have taken full account of the heavy capital cost involved in the modernisation proposals. The Committee, working on material made available to them in India, estimated the total net capital cost at some Rs.45 crores or £34.33 millions. The Committee made it clear that in their view the funds required to meet this capital expendiiure could not be found out of the resources available in India. His Majesty's Government have· accepted this conclusion, but are no less impressed than the Committee with the need for modernising the Forces in India. They are, therefore, prepared to adopt a suggestion made by the Committee, and to seek the authority of Parliament to provide the sum of £34.33 millions from the Home Exchequer. This sum would include the capital grant of £5 millions and the cost .of re-equipping the Air Force Squadrons re:Cerred to in the Communique of the 13th September, 1938. The Committee estimated that a period of 5 years would be required for the completion of the modernisation plan (except that a somewhat longer period will be needed in the case of the R.I.N.); and the provision of the total capital sum would accordingly be spread 10. over this period. Of the total amount, three-quarters would be prov id.eel as a free gift while one-quarter woul d be advanced by way of loan . The interest on this portion, however, woul d be entirely remitted for t he firs t five years; thereafter interest woul d. become payabl e together with instalments of capital. 12. In estimating India's defence req11irernfo1ts , t h e Commi ttee had to consider hm-1 f ar t he prevailing conceptions as regards India ' s liabiJ.i ty for d.efence can be held valid in the light of modern conditions. They took note of t he principle stated in the Report of t he Garran Tribunal of 1933 that the 11 broad lines of' division bet'i."!een Indian and Imperial responsibility for defence shoul0.. be that I ndia assumed responsil)ilit y for the "minor danger11 of the maintenance of in ter·no.l security and protection of her frontiers and that Great Brit ain assumed responsibj_li ty for the 11 major danger" of an attack "by a great power upon I ndia, or upon the Empire thI•ough India" . They olrnerved, hm7ever, that this principle was formulated in the years immediately follov,ring the Great War and was re-affi rmed by the Garran Tribunal. SincG t hen howev er developments have broughtinto far great er' prominence I ndia' s potential vulnerability to a ttack in other forms t han t hose envisaged when the principl e was first l aid down. Such attacks, if they should ever mature, would so vitally affect India's own well-being that they 11voulc1 demand her immediate co-operation in effective measur>es for her defence. In such cases India' s defence would clearly be mos t effectively and economically assured by co-operation in t he defence of points outside India which are strategically essential t o her .security· The I I 11. agreement of 1937 with regard to the Royal Indian Navy , r:hich embodied a policy t hat had alreB.dJ 1Jeen mo.de clear when the Royal I ndian Navy was created as a combatant Force, contained i n i t solf 2. recognition of the f a ct that lndia is directly interested in defence measures extending beyond her local fpontiers . · Lord Chatfield' s Comn1ittee, drawn inevi t a-i::il y to t he same conclusion, have recomraencled as a general princi ple t hat the Forces maintained by Inc!.ia shoulc~. 'be adequate not merely for the narro~er purposes of purely local defence, but also to assist in ms.in t a ining v1ho. t they c~escr:Lbe as "India's externaJ. security11 ; and :further t hat India should acknowledge that her responsibility cannot in her ovm interesta be safel y limited to the local defence of her l and frontiers and coasts . It was fully appreciat ed by thrnn that the Forces to be maintained by India could only bear a small share in these wi der responsibilities and that she could not necessarily bear in full t heir cost. Further, they make it clear that any such Forcec; .as are maintained to meet the requirements of Inc~ia1 s external security should f om: an integral p2rt of t he Forces in India as a whole, and that in o.ccor·dance v:ri th t he principles on v1hich the relations lletween t he Governments of Great Britain and of India have been based, the Governmen t of India must be responsible for the administro.tion of all t he Arrned. Forces situated in IncUa for the }'.JLU'pose of local and external defence and must$ therefore, have full f i nancial. control over the expendi tur'e nc::cessary for their maintenance . 13. The governing principl e advocated by the Committee is, in short, that India shoulLL bear some 12. share in a joint rcH:;ponf~::.hili ty fer her exte~nal security. rrlley conclude tL.at j_.f c:tt any tiEle thc:ee are forces held for the purposes ccrvsred by this joj_nt I'csponsil>ility, the British Gcvernment r..: houl.d ms.l:e a r e curring contribution towards thoj_r maintonantJe coats in such a way as would afford an equitable apportionmcn t while preserving the Governrnent of Ind. ia' s f inanc:Lal ClD d. administrative control over the whole of the Forces maintained by them. Taking all thG factors into account, the Committee recommend that the contribution bi therto paid by the Br•i tj_r3h Government in accordance with the Ga rran Award. should now be definitely raised by £500,000 and sta1Jilised a t the hi gher level of £2,000,000 to whj_ch it has be en provisionally raised by His Maj-::;sty' s Government. Cn this ba sis the Committee estimated that if the whole of the force~=; were o:egnniseri and equipped O!l the scale proposed the maintenance cha:eges du ring the first five years would be uithin the level of the present provision for Defonce provided that no material increases which could not at that time be foreseen should occur. The Committee hold tha t it would f'ollow from their maj.n principle t hEtt j_f Forces held in IncU a for the purposes covered by the joint responsibility are used outside Indi a in an emergency affecting India's external securi.ty~ their ordinary mainten&nce charges should continue to be borne ·by India? in other' w·ords, that in such · circumstances Indin should forbear to make a s ::wing out of the f act that some part of her Forces ',7oulD. in her own interests be. employed ·beyond her geogr aphicnl frontiers. 14. The scale of tho Forces recommended by the Con1rni ttee is intended to be adequate, though not more 13. than adequato, to provide for India1 s purcl:r local c1ofonce noods together vii th n margin avo.iJ_able if neocl bo for her external defence . As rogerds t ho Army, t his margin will amount to approximately ono-tonth of the J:;nny Forces mainttiined in InCia. Boing an intogr2l part of tho Army in Indi a it \7ill contain Indian as well as British Uni ts, ancl both al i kc v1ill lJ c; so equipped as to lJ e able to take part offecti vcly in India 1 s external defvnco .. It will not in any sense oo segr egated from tho r ost of tho Army Po recs; and in normal timc.:s it will continue to ~ischarge t ho fun ctions assigned to those Forces as a whole. As a result of general modernisation, units will be r·cadily interchangeable be t ween .~rhat 8re t err:1ccl 1 11 external cl ofonce troops" and the remainc1or of tho Arm::; Forces; anci. the slight variations i n cc:uiprnent IJroposod for the former have been so designed as not to impede this process. 15. He r e, as elsewhere, His Majest y ' s Gover·rn:wnt considel' t hat the Con1111i tteo mc::de out o. convincin'.?; cc-,sc for their proposal s . They have every hope tha t the l)rincipl cH3 advocat ed by tho Committee v1ill commend themselves t o Your Excellency's Government :::rnd t o o.11 who are prepared to take a realistic view of India's 6.cfonco rccro.irements in modern circun1stc:mces anc thoy are confident that Your :Cxcollcncy' s Governracrnt nill do all in their povw::."' to foster an inforri10d npprcciation of tho necessities Yihich I ndia, like alraost ever;:· other country in the v1orld , mus t toc~o.y bo ready t o f c.co. APPE!:mrx. 1. The basis of distribution of the Army in India will be: ­ (a) Frontier Defence . (b) I t 1 S . "­ ' n erna ecuriuY· (c) Coast Defence. (d) General Reserve. (e) External Defence Troops. 2. Types of modernized units will be as fol.lows: ­ :Srit ish and Indian Cavalry Light Tank Regiments ­equipped with light tanks and armoured carriers for reconnaissance. Indian Cavalry Armoured Regiments -equipped with light tanks and armoured cars. Indian Cavalry Motor Regiments -provided with motor transport for conveyance of personnel who will normally operate on f oot. British and Indian Field Artillery Regiments ­All Regiments are to be mechanised and in due course equipped with 25 pounder guns. Sappers and Miners units -with mechanised 1st line transport and mechanical power tools. British and Indian Infantry Battalions -armed with rifles, Brens and 2" mortars and fully mechanised 1st Line transport. Unit.s on North Western Frontier will retain a certain proportion of pack mules. A I R F 0 R C E S. 3. The Aj_r :C'orces in India vrill be re-equipped with oodern aircraft as f ollows: ­ Bomber Squadrons -Bl enheims Army Co-operation Squadrons -L31sanders Bomber Trail.Sport Squ::~drons -Valentias. The Ind~an Air Force S(~adron, at present being for;ned, i s expected to bo complete by the end of 1940. Volunteer flights fo r coas t defence duties will be raised at certain ports. ROYAL INDIAN NAVY. 4. The following new vessels 1.7ill be ordered: ­ (a) Four "Bittern" class escort vessels (b) Four "Mas tiff" class trav:lers The 11 Indus" and 11Hindustan" ·will be re-equipped nith new armament. ORDINANCE F A C T 0 R I E S. 5. In order to make India as far as possible self sufficient in the sup:;il y of munitions in war the existing Ordnance Factories vtill ·be expanded or reconstructed. Where necessary entirel y new factories will be built. Tllre Ministry of Information anno.'ll.Itces tltat ­Many women now emp1.oyed in o:rdinary commercial. and industrial. employment are: wondering whether they ough.:t to volun.t,eer for one of the services of national. defence. Unless they are su:ited for nursing or first a.id. work and wish to devote themselves fullL-time to such work women now employed in commerc.e and industry should not think of leaving their present work. Tne life of the nation must go on and it will make for confusion if' large numbers of women seek to change their job.s. The woman who remaims at wo.rk and vol.unteers in· lrer spare time for a part-time se.rvice virhich still needs recruits is doi.ng her full part in natio.nal service. Women whose job.is in commerce or industry come to an end should apply to the:ir nearest Employment Exchange. Th:is is the best, step for them to take in order to find fresh work of national. importance. In vie7l ol t::-~e vi-~ r;-,1 imp ort mce of securing ·_h_:-:_,. ,-_· this '\'8·c-,·_rt S 1~ -vrpq·:-. · ..,,-u-1· ..L~;1 t .1'·. e 1 ' .., ~ ~ ~ v .. , -~e2 s·c ~) Of.38lble delay and. of tl1e i a.ct t l1.:1 t n -_,_11 ·1·_,-_.~ -'.l. P. ·1·~ v"' -f' "' '"1d ,... " ' · t 1 .~ ~ 1.. ·-_ ~ '"-'r .:,::crs n.J.ve recen -:l ..La..!. b een c.o,lle d 11-:......, _-_:=· c-,·r· · l ·" · •A-:i:i i c2xy se:cvice, t~ne ,~inistry of . ., a '•U 1. Y 0 e'" J_ l v '·:;. ..• v •... H i.J 8 j a cer ~air1 nu1•.be:;:' cf senri:i.1,; soldier-s vrill ,, ive assistance for a few days in the l1..:?crve st field. 1. 0 ·'' is 'J.~2-'J 11ot ify the D:ce C'-l. t ive Oi'ficer of' tLe .1.::.r 1<_·:·icultural --._. . sit u 2:ced th::-,t .J:~e clesires ·the assist.'.?,l1Ce of soldier la·bour, stc.ting ilcv; .~.a:1y i:.1.en he re;c.1_ii~es ei:d for hov;; long. The .G~:::ecutive Officor, ii hs :Ls satisfied t~J.at the faraJ.er llas a real need. for ac:.c:litior~:.;,l L~".;ou:c i7:1ich cannot be ";,et from h :i. t~1e ap:propriate units ;·;ill 'oe aslced to volu:.:/ceer for this ·,vorlr, and no a};>plica tions for the relec~se of particular individuals c2n be entert~ined for the purpose of t::,_ese p2,r~icula:;." a.:rru.ager.u.ents . soldie:..~s wh.o assist in this way. These a:crangeL.:ents v.,rill re,i:ain in fo:cce until 20th wepteiliber. lViinist:ry of E..t;;r icultu:;:·e anci. :;!' isheries . 5th 0epte..iber, 19 39 . Press Notice~ THE WHEAT GQNTh.Q;SSI_ON __MAKE A FIN.AL PAYM8NT TO WHEAT GROWERS FOR 1933j3_2.. The Vfuea t Commission desvatched cheques to 80 9 806 regi3tered growe~:s on the 5th Se;:item"be:::', 1939, in 1... espect of the final payment of clefic iency payments fop the cer•eal year ended 31st July 9 1939. The agsregfi.te amount involved in this final payment is approximately £2 ,2?1 ?500. In addition, 1,163 payments, agg;r.-egating £50,01'.!:7 will be made as soon as possible in those cases where, by reason of the death or bankruptcy of a registered grower, or :for some other reason 9 the Commission have had to investigate the title of persuns c.:lairning the deficiency payments. When these payments have been made, the Commission will have disbursed approximately £2,321,500 as the final payment for the cereal year 1938/390 The final payment together with the advance payments made during the cereal year amount to a total payment of a11proximately £9,286,000 for 1938/39. Averaged over all registered growers who have received deficiency payments, this sum would provide just over £114 per grower. Approximately 36,800 9 000 cwts. of millable wheat have been crecl.i ted to date in the b ooJ.cs of the Commission to the 81, 369 growers who have ~1alified for deficiency payments, and 197,647 wheat certificates relating to the sa1es of this wheat have been delivered to the Commission. The deficiency payment for 1938/39 is at the rate of 5s.0•56d~ per cwt. (22s. Btd. per quarter) in respect of all sales of wheat credited to growers for that year :from wheat certificates delivered to the Commission. Where growers have already received an advance payment of 4s.Ocl. per cwt. on account of a:cy wheat) the final payment with regard to that wheat will, of course, be the balance of ls.0"56d.per cwt. only. WHEN.r COM.Tun SSION, London, S~ W. 1. 5-t:h September, 1939. FOOD (DEFENCE PLANS) DEPARTMENT, GREAT WESTMINSTER HOUSE, HORSEFERRY ROAD, LONDON. S.W.l D,.B. 5 DAILY BULL:&rIN FOR MINISTRY OF INFORMATION An Order has been made under the Defence Regulations, provisionally fixing the maximum prices at which all fat cattle and sheep for slaughter may be sold. The Order prescribes . that the prices at which such livestock shall be sold shall not exceed the average of a similar description of livestock ruling during the week ending August 26th. 5th September, 1939. D.B. 6. FOOD (DEFENCE PLAJ-TS) DEPARTMENT DAILY BULLETlli FOR MINISTRY OF INFORMATION The Food (Defence Plans) Department state that as a result of an Order made on September 3rd, it is now illegal to sell any pigs for slaughter, except sows and boars, at any price other than that prescribed by the Order, namely 13/-per score deadweight, up to a deadweight of 10 scores, and 12/6d. per score deadweight for pigs weighing more than 10 scores. The prices at which sows and boars must be sold are l0/5d. per score and 4/-per score deadweight respectively. As a result of this Order, pigs for slaughter cannot be sold, by auction or otherwise, at a price per head alive. Parallel action has been taken to maintain the present level of prices of bacon and ha.ms and all curers are asked to observe this. 5th September, 1222,. D.B.7 FOOD (DEFENCE PLANS) DEPARTMENT DAILY BULLETIN FOR MINISTRY OF INFOFMATION The Feeding-Stuffs (Provisional Prices) Order Under this Order which came into force yesteroay, no person may sell any animal feeding-stuff, including wheat, coarse grains and cereal products, at a price exceeding the highest price at which he sold similar descriptions, varieties and quantities on the same terms of sale last week. 5th September, 1939. D.B.8 _FOOD (DEFENCE PLANS) DEPARTMENT DAILY BULLErIN FOR MINISTRY OF INFORMATION TEA Orders have been made to-day fixing provisional prices for tea and bringing under control the wholesale and import trade in tea. The Tea (Provisional Prices) Order prescribes that -tea must not be sold, by wholesale or retail, at prices higher than those cUITent during the seven days ended ten days before the date of the Order. The Tea (Control) Order prohibits dealings in tea situate outside the United Kingdom, except under licence to be granted by the Food (Defence Plans) Department. It requires that persons owning tea abroad shall comply with such directions as may be given by the Department. The Department take over all stocks of tea in \ bond in this country and all stocks which shall arrive in the country hereafter. FOOD (DEFENCE PLANS) DEPARTMENT, GREAT WESTMINSTER HOUSE, HORSEFERRY ROAD, LONDON, S.W.l D.B.9. DAILY BULLETIN FOR MINISTRY OF INFORMATION. SUGAR. The Food (Defence Plans) Department announce that the Sugar (Provisional Prices) Order has been is~ued whereby the maximum whplesale and retail prices of sugar have been fixed as follows:­ Sales by wholesale of T.L. Granulated Sugar ex refinery in bags containing 2 cwts. of sugar 22s. 7~. per cwt. Sales by retail:­ Granulated in bulk 3d. per lb. Granulated in cartons $. II It/ Lump (afternoon tea cubes) 4d. It It Lump (other than afternoon tea cubes) '11 *· " Castor 4d. II It Yellow Crystals 4d. It " The Public are again expressly reminded that there is no shortage of sugar. Whilst certain areas in the Country have experienced delays in distribution of refined sugar, thiij is entirely due to general buying of quantities far in excess of the normal consumption. Steps have been taken to remedy such distribution and the Public are requested to purchase only their normal requirements, thus ensuring that all needs will be met. 5th September, 1939.