THE THREAT OF INVASION

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 3, Issue 212, 13 September 1940, Page 4

THE THREAT OF INVASION

THE words of the British Prime Minister have given the war a note of terrible reality. They are blunt and to the point, but none the less they are inspiring -and- heartening. From well imformed sources the British Government has been that Hitler is planning his invasion of England and that the blow will probably be delivered within ten days. Thus Mr. Churchill has felt that the people should be told and that they should be prepared very definitely to meet the first hostile force to threaten English shores since William the Conquer. The reaction throughout the English-speaking world is one of anger, not unmixed with a certain consternation that the oldest Democracy Ot all shouid be threatened by the enemies of human freedom. Nevertheless there is also a feeling, almost of relief, that the long sought for "showdown" and trial of strength is now likely to deveop. In the light of analysis the advantages appear to be overwhelmingly in favour of the defenders who not only have command of the sea, but have also a definite superiority in the air. Even should these defences fail the five million armed and trained men now garrisoning the British Isles can be depended upon to fight as never before in protection of their own homes and families. But the Nazi tactics are too well known to be under-rated and it is sure as the sun rises, the two Dictators will act in concert with each other. England can therefore be expected to endure the greatest test in her history. Nothing will be sparer! if we know anything of the Nazi theorum, making the campaign the most devastating, the most all-envelop-ing it is possible to make it, in the hope of a lightning stroke which will paralyse the defence and pave the way for swift unconditional peace. In the past the plan has worked only too well. Czechoslavakia, Austria, Poland, Norway, Denmark, Holland, Belgium, France have sucqombed in turn to the tornado of destruction let loose upon their peoples by a ruthless foe. There is reason however to believe that this time the task confronting the German armies, and the outcome of their campaign will be different. Already the boastful plans of the German general staff have gone sadly astray. The date of invasion has been postponed too often to be ignored much longer, and Hitler realises full well that the recuperation which has taken place in Britain during his three months of bluff is making his position the more precarious daily. Also the winter is fast closing in, and a winter campaign on the enormous lines he envisiages is not to be thought of. Hence the Prime Minister's warning, and as a result there is tension throughout the world as the last and the greatest democracy actively engaged in the struggle for freedom faces at her very doors the hitherto triumphant forces of terrorism and bondage.