LACK OF ARTILLERY.

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

LACK OF ARTILLERY.

BRITISH FORCES’ HANDICAP. LONDON, May 7. In his speech in tho House of Commons in which he defended the Government’s handling of tlie war situation the War Minister (Mr O. Stanley), explaining the use of Territorials, said it had been the intention that these troops should secure ports through which British and French regulars should he passed to form tho spearhead in a subsequent attack. These units had been fully equipped, hut there was a shortage of tanks, guns and heavy anti-aircraft guns. Had it not been for the air bombardments these troops, reinforced and adequately gunned, could have maintained their positions for any length of time. Wo found air support quite impossible. Discussing'tlie country’s mental attitude, Mr Stanley said : “Members say that the Government has been complacent. Is it only the Government which ought to share that charge? Have we all these eight months not tended to be complacent? (Opposition Noes.) Have we all faced up to the responsibilities?” Mr Stanley urged that the people should make the necessary sacrifices. . Admiral Sir Roger Keyes explained that lie came to the House in uniform because he wished to speak for the officers and men of the Navy, who were most unhappy. It was not their fault that the enemy was left in undisputed possession of the vulnerable ports and aerodromes. For nearly a month the enemy had been given time to pour in reinforcements and develop the air offensive which had had such a devastating effect on the morale of Whitehall. (Cheers.) ' “Ever since April 16 I had been urging tho Admiralty to take more vigorous action in view of the Italian bluster,” lie said. “I proposed naval co-operation by using old ships, the loss of which would not affect the Fleet’s strength.”