FRANCE’S PERIL

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 158, 4 June 1940, Page 7

FRANCE’S PERIL

VIVID PICTURE DRAWN.

. FIGHTING FOR LIVES. NO CAUSE FOR FEAR. (United Press/ Association—By Electric , Telegraph—Copyright.) - (British Official Wireless.) Received June 4, 11.35 a.m. RUGBy, June 3. Broadcasting from Paris, where he has been discussing with his French “opposite number” various matters of mutual concern, the Minister of Information (Mr A. Duff-Cooper) said: “It often happens that facts which seem to be of little interest to Britain are of vital importance to the French, and there is always the danger that through ignorance something might be revealed that might prove dangerous to the other. Today we have been discussing those matters 'and we have found ourselves in complete.agreement, and I am convinced my visit has been well worth while because the two Ministries will co-operate more usefully in the future.

“In order that we may understand a little of what the French people are feeling (we must tryi-to put ourselves in their place and imagine liow we should be feeling if the whole of Scotland had been completely overrun and all the northern towns and many Midlands towns and principal ports of the north-east coast were in the hands of the onemv, while at the same.time our harbours on the south coast were being bombed day and night. “That is the, position ■in France to-day, and the people of Paris know that the most powerful army in the world, firnily based on French soil, is preparing to deliver a fresh blow at the heart of France. In these circumstances it is impressive to see how the French people are going about their business with all • their usual energy, industry and calm.”. Mr, Duff Cooper said the. French people realised thev were fighting for their Jives, but “they have lought for their lives before. They have been invaded before, always by the same invader. They are not afraid of Hitler. They are 1 a tough people very different from us, and often very difficult for us to understand, but they have two things which matter —-love lor their own country and the’courage to die for it. LOVERS OF FREEDOM. “As long as our two people remain united, there is no cause for tear. Throughout the world, including Germany, there are people who love freedom, fust ice and honour. Every one of these people is on our side, and though they may not be organised in battalions, brigades and divisions, the weight behind them is overwhelming. But what is needed is the necessary time to ensure that the weight shall make itself felt. _ “In -this critical hour. of battle every one of us can play his or lier part, not only by putting into the job lie is engaged upon every ounce at bis disposal, out a.so by refusing to have anything to do with traitors and cowards wlio dare to suggest we ban be defeated and seek to sow dissension among us. - “We are living through one of the very great moments of history. I believe we shall look back upon it with supreme pride when the f final victory, which is as certain as .the sun is in the heavens, shall be achieved.” SAVING OF LIFE, LIFEBOATS’ WORK. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, May 31. The Duke of Kent, in a message to the annual meeting of the Royal National, Lifeboat Institution, expressed his admiration for the magnificent work that had'been carried out by the institution since the outbreak of war. A total 0f.£12,227 bad been raised, said the cliah;man of the institution, by a recent flag day. He also disclosed that British lifeboatmen luid saved 1932 lives during the year and 65 medals bad been awarded for gallantry. • Sir Arthur Salter (Parliamentary Secretary to the, Ministry of Shipping; stated that during the present war, 21 lives had !\ en saved weekly On the average. Throughout the institution’s 116 yehrs of existence there had hi en ja weekly average rate of 11 lives saved.