Forde acts as PM
CANBERRA – Because of the long illness of Mr. Curtin, the machinery of government will go on without interruption.
Deputy Prime Minister Forde already holds authority from the Governor-General to act as Prime Minister. This ensures the legality of all administrative acts.
Cabinet is meeting today to ascertain whether an interim commission should be issued to Mr. Forde or whether there should be a fresh commission, such as was issued to Sir Earle Page after the death of Mr. Lyons.
Whatever the decision, the commission would be only temporary as Mr. Forde would advise the Governor-General that he would have to meet the Parliamentary Labour Party.
Caucus is not likely to take any steps about future leadership until after Mr. Curtin’s funeral.
Whether the party should await the return of Attorney-General Dr. Evatt from USA before proceeding to the election of a new leader and the filling of the Cabinet vacancy and whether it will decide that all portfolios and offices, such as those of Speaker, President of the Senate and the Chairmen of Committees, should be thrown into the melting pot will be for the party itself to decide.
It is expected that the House of Representatives and the Senate, which are to meet this afternoon, will adjourn immediately.
Instructions were issued immediately after Mr. Curtin died that flags should be flown at half-mast from all Commonwealth buildings throughout Australia.