VIEW OF ALLIES

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20075, 23 October 1939, Page 7

VIEW OF ALLIES

CHECK TO NAZISM

LIBERTY OF NATIONS

HORE-BELISHA’S SURVEY

SEVENTH WEEK ENDED

i TIME FACTOR STRESSED

(Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 9 a.m. RUGBY, Oct. 21. In a broadcast speech, the Secretary ' ot State for War, Mr. L. Hore-Belisha. reviewed the position as at the end of the seventh week of the war.

Fie said that Herr Hitler had fixed in advance the day of his assault and Poland, in endeavouring to resist devastation, had her army destroyed, but

the memory of its valour was indestructible. Tlie aggressor calculated that this ruthless action would intimidate the Western friends of Poland, but it was not the character of France or Britain lo desert an ally. To-morrow was the seventh Sunj clay since the Prime Minister, Mr. i Neville Chamberlain, after every means of conciliation had been exnauslcd, announced that henceforward die British task would be “to redeem Europe from the perpetual recurring fear of German aggression and enable die peoples of Europe to preserve (heir independence and liberties.”

That was die great, supreme task, said the Secretary of War, and the British people had settled down to play their part in completing .that task. The virtue most required was patience. Differed from Preconception So far die war had differed from preconceptions. Many thought that more would happen, such as decisive land, sea or air battles and the home front was expected to be nearer grim reality. Many persons were ready for action night and day, but the seven weeks had been useful in implementing preparations. But for all die apparent inactivity, decisive developments, had, in fact, occurred.

I “The constant cry of Nazi Germany | has been since its inception ‘give us a | free hand in the East’,” said Mr. Horei Belisha. “There was a long agenda ] of conquests to be made in that direc- | cion. Poland was but one item. “The Baltic States were to be dominated, but from these German nationals are now in retreat. Russia had claimed this sphere of influence. I The cornfields of the Ukraine were coveted. Russia made sure of this harvest.

“Through Poland, faazi Germany was to have an entrance to Rumania. This entrance was barred by Russia. “ ‘Berlin—Baghdad.’ Turkey alone could be the avenue of this ambition. | Turkey, brave and respected friend, |stands firmly in the path. Iraq is our | loyal and unshakeable ally.” Promotions from Ranks

Mr, Horo-Belisha said that our armies would be officered in future almost entirely by promotions from die ranks.

j "The final magnitude of our effort will depend on liie ex Lent to which the factories can supply equipment and munitions for our men,” he declared. "I appeal to them, to thenworkmen and directors to intensify their part.

“The Dominions are making ready contingents to stand beside our own. They never fail to emphasise solidarity. Indian troops are in position at -several strategic points in India, and all other parts of the Empire are anxious to take an increasing part. As the days pass, Nazi Germany must watch this gathering momentum and | realise that time is on the side ol j Prance and Britain and the Empire.

“Germany must realise that time fights for the Allies. She could try to smash through by land, sea, and air or remain quiescent in the hope

that we would prematurely take up the offensive, or lure us to discuss specious terms of peace. Western Front Defences “An offensive against prepared positions would be unprofitable. The strong defence on the Western Front is daily becoming stronger, i The enemy will pay dearly for a massed attack on that front. Our commanders are unlikely, before it suits them, to risk the lives of our soldiers.”

Germany’s cry had been for a free hand in the East. She could now assess the Eastern balance sheet after seven weeks of war, while in the West the expulsion of German commerce from the sea was incontrovertible.

“While we still have 21,000,000 tons of shipping, we do not under-estimate