CONDUCT OF WAR

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 134, 7 May 1940, Page 8

CONDUCT OF WAR

KEEN INTEREST AT HOME. CHANGES ADVOCATED. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.— Copyright.) LONDON, May 5. The Press emphasises the great week-end activity in political circles as a prelude to Tuesday’s debate in the House' of Commons, not only on Norway but on the general conduct of the war. The Daily Telegraph says groups-of Peers and backbenchers in the House of Commons have met in private houses in the past few days, considering the Government’s action and formulating suggestions. One of the proposals most strongly advanced is the immediate formation of a small War Cabinet. The Times says the public have taken stock of the Government’s structure and personnel, and have come to the conclusion that there is abundant room for improvement. It is felt, that the machinery is too cumbersome for rapid and vigorous initiative. MEDITERRANEAN OUTLOOK.

The hostile tone of the Italian Press and the presence of strong Allied squadrons at Alexandria have not lessened anxiety over the Mediterranean situation. Despatches from Alexandria say the Ueets are in full strength. Egypt is vigilant. Her Defence Minister lias announced that she is prepared to repulse an attack wherever it might come. The German and Italian Press has adopted the same theme of superiority of air fleets over the strongest naval forces.

The French Press says precautionary measures are being taken in the Balkans, and Turkey, Greece and Egypt are preparing for a sudden turn of events.