SOBER CONFIDENCE

Taranaki Daily News, 19 September 1940, Page 6

SOBER CONFIDENCE

The past few days have seen revived activity in the diplomatic sphere as well as on the military front. The leader of the Fascist party in Spain has visited Herr Hitler and the interview has been followed by the visit to Rome of the German Foreign Minister, Herr von Ribbentrop. Spehulation upon the journeys of the two statesmen suggests that territorial concessions to Spain — at the expense of Britain at Gibraltar and France in northern Africa — have been- offered the Spanish Government by Herr Hitler if it will declare war on Britain. It is suggested that Herr von Ribbentrop's mission to Rome is to ensure the connivance of Signor Mussolini in this disposal of territory — some of which has yet to be conquered. Another suggestion is that the German plan for invading Britain has been postponed or abandoned and this decision will require adjustment with the Italian push from Libya towards Alexandria, an adventure reported at Rome as action taken in conjunction with the German attack upon Britain. The Italian viewpoint may require alteration if that attack is to continue a series uf air raids only. Serious as their effect has been in the metropolitan and industrial areas of Britain, so thorough a realist as the Italian Dictator is not likely to be misled regarding the "collapse" of Britain that has been promised so frequently by the German propagandists. * # # #

Interesting as these suppositions may be, it is in Mr. Churchill's latest statement to the House of Commons that the realities the Empire must face will be found. He stated that in regard to the battle for Britain neither side had as yet used all the forces available. His words received prompt confirmation, for they were followed by the most intensive air raid over Britain so far experienced. At London, Glasgow and other important centres many casi iTies and much destruction of property resulted from this raid, and once riain it was the civilian population that suffered the brunt of the attack. Mr. Churchill drew attention to this sinister feature of German fighting. The slaughter of civilians, he said, was expected to force Britain to sue for peace. Actually it was having the effect of stiffening the resolve to overthrow an enemy capable of such warfare. But Mr. Churchill warned the nation that it must remain on guard. The danger of invasion had not been removed. Although the British air forces had interfered very considerably with the German preparations for invasion they were being continued and the attack might come at any moment.

In Egypt the Italian advance towards Alexandria continued, not without opposition , and losses, but the trial of strength between the British and Italian main forces has yet to come. In Britain and elsewhere, said Mr. Churchill, there was justification for sober and increasing confidence. The German numerical superiority in aircraft was being ovfertaken, already the( Royal Air Force had made severe counter-attacks on the enemy and would soon be in a position to extend those operations. But the burden of Mr. Churchill's speech was that the trial of strength between Britain and her foes has yet to come. There rnust be no slackening of efforts, he said, 'no credence given to German suggestions that invasion would not be attempted, no trust in anything but the nation's will and power to resist. Given a continuance of effort and- watchfulness the struggle can be awaited with confidence. Mr. Churchill's words deserve heed in every part of the Empire.