GUARDED CONTENT

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20076, 24 October 1939, Page 7

GUARDED CONTENT

CHECKING OF RAIDERS TURKISH AGREEMENT GROWING SECURITY (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Tress Assn.) (British Official Wireless.) Reed. 1.40 p.m. RUGBY. Oct. 22. The Sunday newspapers look back with obvious, if guarded, satisfaction on the week, the main events of which have included the signature of the Anglo-French-Turkish treaty of mutual assistance and renewed attempts to raid the north-east coast naval bases and the first air attack on a convoy.

The German loss of four out of 12 raiding machines in the latter attack which took place yesterday is particularly welcomed and recorded under headlines of restrained triumph. As to the treaty, commentators tend to emphasise its long-term value as a constructive contribution to peaceful relations in the south-east of Europe and the Mediterranean area, but its immediate importance is_ not overlooked. As the Sunday Times points out, the importance of the agreement “may fairly be gauged by the outburst of fury it evoked in Berlin.”

Feeling in Balkans

The Observer believes that every Balkan country feels a sense of assurance as a result of the treaty, which is also fully compatible with Italian interests, and the newspaper argues that the treaty would have its purpose helped by Italian support.

While the week’s accounts are presented by newspapers as balancing handsomely in favour of the Allies, readers are not allowed to forget the unwelcome surprises always _ possible in war, but the general attitude on that is summed up by Mr. D. Lloyd George in his weekly article to the Sundry Express, in which he remarks that if Herr Hitldr had any notion that set-backs or disasters were likely to spread any dismay in Britain or force it into a defeatist peace, he was completely under-estimating the character and spirit of the country. He adds: “No one from the beginning of the war has even hinted at surrender.”

Mr. J. L. Garvin, writing in the Observer, takes the view that it is the German intention from now to next spring to sustain, if they can, the holding struggle on thq Western Front with economy of effort and conservation of means, while assailing British seapower, shipping and war industiy with every resource they can muster. He says: “We have given a good account of ourselves in the first phase. The more clearly we anticipate the nature of the German fundamental plan against maritime life and industrial energy in this island, the better we shall be prepared to meet and beat it.”