WAITING EUROPE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20028, 29 August 1939, Page 6

WAITING EUROPE

CALM IN BRITAIN PUBLIC CONFIDENCE RESISTANCE TO FORCE LONG CONFERENCES LEADERS OF FACTIONS (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 1.15 p.m. RUGBY, Aug. 28. While in every sphere of activity, official and unofficial, measures proceed apace designed to place the country in a state of complete preparedness for an emergency, and more particularly in respect to civilian defence and the air raid precautions, the public of Britain awaits to-morrow’s meeting of Parliament and the statement by the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville with a calm which seems to arise from the feeling confidently held that Britain is ready for a trial of strength if it comes and that the decision of peace or war lies elsewhere

There was a complete rehearsal of the evacuation of London school children to-day. Short Meeting Likely

Prolonged conferences took place to-day between Mr. Chamberlain, and the Labour and Liberal Party leaders in the House of Commons, Mr. A. Greenwood, and Sir Archibald Sinclair respectively. It is understood that to-morrow’s meeting of Parliament is likely to be brief. Observers of popular sentiment ore impressed by the manner in which the deep abhorrence of war, so long uppermost with the British people; has Ijjeen overlaid with an attitude of grim and dogged defiance which is the reaction of a people who have become weary of repeated and persistent threats' to the peace and quiet of. Europe.

Discussion of what the British policy is or should be has disappeared from the newspapers. It now is taken for granted, and even the former isolationist press leaves readers in no doubt, that the ihdependence of Poland is the issue of the feeling of security of all other European States, including Britain herself.