BRITAIN’S ARMED STRENGTH

Wairarapa Times-Age, 26 June 1939, Page 5

BRITAIN’S ARMED STRENGTH

When I compare the state of our armed forces and our ability to resist attack today with a year ago,” Mr Chamberlain continued, “I feel we can face the future with calm confidence. Our Navy is the most powerful in the world. Our Army is daily increasingin numbers and efficiency, and without giving figures, I can say that the Air Force has expanded during the year at a rate far beyond expectations. The quality of the personnel and the speed and power of the machines are unequalled. “These mighty armaments threaten no one. But they are available today to resist aggression or domination. The agreements we have made and the guarantees we have given to other European Powers have only the-same purpose—to strengthen: the peace front and protect the independence, of States whose faith in their own security has been shaken by the fate of others. , "Yet I repeat once more, and this is my last word—our opposition is not to change, because in a changing world there must be adjustments from time to time. What we are resolved to oppose is the use of force to bring about changes which should be determined by discussion and co-operation. "And I trust, in spite of all the

dangerous possibilities which are only too apparent, that the people who in all countries cry for peace may yet find the patience and the will to achieve it." The meeting passed a vote of confidence in Mr Chamberlain, urged the strengthening of defences, and praised the efforts made in this direction. It also acknowledged the improvement in industrial and social conditions. The meeting was marred by a downpour and only 10,000 people attended of the 50.000 for whom provision had been made. Most of them sheltered in marquees, tn which the speech was relayed. NAZI TAUNT “ENGLAND AS AN IDIOT.” GOEBBELS'S LATEST EFFORT. (Received This Day, 10.10 a.m.) COLOGNE. June 25. Dr Goebbels, in a speech, referred to Mr Chamberlain’s speech and said: "England stands as an idiot. She cannot compete with our might. It does not matter if English Ministers attempt to threaten. There is no force behind their threats. The Japanese strip the English naked and they can do nothing.”