DEBATE IN LORDS

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 136, 9 May 1940, Page 9

DEBATE IN LORDS

“NOT A DISASTER.” LORD BIRDWOOD’ S VIEW. LABOUR CRITICISM. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) Received May 9, 12.5 p.m. LONDON, May 8. The House of Lords debated the British policy in Norway today. Opening the debate, Lord Strabolgi (formerly Commander Kenworthy) said the Government’s conduct of the Norwegian operations was a symptom of a disease which must be treated quickly or become chronic. Holding Narvik and abandoning the rest of Norway was like holding John o’ Groats and the Orkneys, and abandoning the rest of the United Kingdom, including all the wealthy industries and resources.

Lord Strabolgi added that tile Grand Fleet could have gone into Oslo Fiord and driven away the lighter German forces in the two days between the capture of Oslo and the arrival of the German reinforcements.

Field-Marshal Lord Birdwood hoped our men would make daily and nightly raids on the German communications in Norway, because nothing would upset the troops more. Norway was not a disaster, and he believed it would result in a great success for us. Lord Snell said that, despite apologetic statements, the Government was weaker to-day than yesterday. Wo had rehabilitated Hitler in the minds of the German people. Hitler “missed the bus,” but took a ’plane —it was quicker. ONLY ONE PURPOSE.

The Foreign Secretary (Lord Halifax) said : it is impossible for anyone to draw a distinction between the Prime Minister and the othei members of the War Cabinet, who share the full responsibility. Wthave only one purpose —to win the war. I am not unaer any delusion about Germany’s strength. Our wai effort will impose an immense strain on our staying power. We must marshal our efforts without the dissipation of vital energy. Nothing is more likely to lead to disaster than amateur strategists .who clamour foi immediate action.

Lord Hankey, replying to the suggestion that the Fleet ought to have gone to Oslo, said the Fleet was chasing German ships to which it gave battle. It could not have gone to Oslo on the particular day suggested. One of our greatest losses was the torpedoing on April 20 of a ship loaded with anti-aircraft guns and valuable stores. This was the only transport sunk during the whole of the campaign.