DEFENCE OF LONDON

Taranaki Daily News, 28 September 1940, Page 8

DEFENCE OF LONDON

British Official Wireless.

"HITLER CANNOT WIN" polish leader speaks

Rugby, Sept. z6. In the course of a broadcast to Poland General Sikorski (Pxemier of Poland) spoke of Hitler's tactics in the aerial attack on London. Stating that since the war started Germany had lost 4581 aeroplanes and over 15,000 airmen, General Sikorski said: "Very soon the R.A.F. will obtain air superiority over the German air force. It is for this reason that Hitler, who knows that to prolong tlie war means for him to lose the war, decided on the present method of air warfare. "Since September 5 the German air force has been bombarding London, admitting by this fact that Germany has not succeeded in destroying Britain's chief centres of resistance nor in paralysing Britain's defence preparations. Hitler hopes that by the cruel destruction of the London residential quarters that he will succeed in breaking down the morale and resistance of the British people. Anyone who knows England is aware that warfare methods of this kind must have a definitely opposite result. The population of London gives day by day and night by night impressive proofs of self-control, courage and determination. London follows in the footsteps of heroic Warsaw." The Polish fighter squadron, named after a national hero of Poland, General Sikorski said, had so far destroyed 73 German planes in the Battle of London. A message to the Polish people which Mr. Churchill asked General Sikorski to transmit to the people of Poland expresses the friendship and admiration of the people of Britain for the splendid courage of the Poles. He said their indomitable strength of resistance wa s proved by their deeds carried out in most difficult circumstances. These deserved a reward, which was the resurrection of Poland, said Mr. Churchill.