The Gisborne Herald. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES.” SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1939 A REVIEW OF THE WAR

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20086, 4 November 1939, Page 4

The Gisborne Herald. WITH WHICH IS INCORPORATED “THE TIMES.” SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 1939 A REVIEW OF THE WAR

In his review of the war situation this week, Mr. Chamberlain was certainly not over-optimistic in his comment or extravagant in his claims as to the position of the Allies. Indeed, iiis statement was matter of fact almost in the extreme—he might, indeed, have been discussing any formal departmental report—but it is this very outlook towards the war that makes the case of Britain so impressive. The sensationalism, the bitterness, and the bias which arc usually associated with war, and which are not entirely absent in other countries on this occasion, arc completely lacking in Mr. Chamberlain’s attitude. He approaches this emergency as he has approached other problems—with a calm and dignity that inspire confidence and respect. Had he desired, there is little doubt that he could have made much more of the Allied position on the Western Front, but he contented himself with comment on the weather and a bald statement that the British Expeditionary Force continued to work diligently at its task. He did. however, spare a thought for those who are carrying on routine work in distant spheres, and this reference serves as a timely reminder that the battleground in this war spreads far beyond the scene of actual hostilities: that the war will be decided less by the combatant armies than by the world-wide organisation that has been mobilised in their support.

The war at sea was described by the Prime Minister as comparatively uneventful, and with this view there is no occasion to quibble. Mr. Chamberlain might, however, have gone a great deal further than he did and pointed out that for the time being at least, the submarine menace seems hardly to exist. When the effectiveness of the submarine campaign during the last war is remembered, it is clear that the position to-day represents a remarkable achievement. It is true that there have been a number of heavy losses to Allied shipping, but if the losses are considered in relation to the number of ships that have escaped damage they appear almost trifling. In the first two months of the war the total losses were less than those sustained in one week in 1917 and, to a large extent, the losses have been compensated for by the seizures of German shipping and cargoes destined for Germany. In the meantime, Allied shipping continues almost normally, but that of Germany has virtually ceased to exist. This situation is not a matter of luck, but is a tribute to the superiority and efficiency of the Allied navies. The organisation and ceaseless activity that lies behind this command of the seas have not, perhaps, received the notice they deserve, for the navy has again lived up to its reputation of the "silent” service.

The Allied successes in the air have been given more publicity, because they have been more spectacular, but also, perhaps, because they were more unexpected. The superiority of the British Navy has been taken for granted, but when it comes to the air Britain seems to have suffered from an inferiority complex. For years the public has been informed of the might of the German air force and of the danger it would constitute in the event of war. Experience, however compels a readjustment of values, because in every encounter that has taken place the Allied pilots and their machines have taken the honours. As Mr. Chamberlain pointed out, there have been repeated attacks by German aircraft during the past week, but not a single British ship or aeroplane has sustained damage. On the other hand, the enemy suffered some losses and has also lost in prestige by the continued Allied flights over German territory. The real value of this reconnaissance work will become more apparent in the future, because the Allied commands have a fairly complete picture of enemy territory, whereas German machines have not yet been able to penetrate the Allied countries. So far, at any rate, the much-vaunted German air force has been an almost negligible factor in the conduct of the

war. Impressive and reassuring though

Die results on land and sea and in the air may have been, however, the most effective blow at the enemy is being struck in the economic field. The economic weapon, as has been pointed out, operates gradually but its pressure is relentless. The cutting off of supplies to Germany is only one aspect; the other is the maintenance of supplies for the Allies. Here, there is equal cause for satisfaction. At the present time representatives of the various Dominions are conferring in London on the plans which have already been well laid for a united Empire effort in the economic as well as the military sphere, and there can be no question that, aided by the navy and the air force, the outlying parts of the Empire will be able to maintain the economic life of Britain and France. Another important, development during the week, and one upon which Mr. Chamberlain did not touch, was the repeal of the Ameri-

can neutrality law. In effect, the United States becomes another ally, because the new legislation will mean that the vast resources of that country will now be available to Britain and

France, whereas access to them is denied to Germany. It would be a mistake to assume that Germany is already on the verge of economic collapse, but certain it is that her plight must become increasingly seri-! oils with the passage of time. Time i and the economic blockade will be the j decisive factor in the war, and since j both arc on the side of the Allies I the situation can be viewed with i equanimity.