WAR METHODS

Wairarapa Times-Age, 21 September 1939, Page 8

WAR METHODS

WHOLE WORLD SHOCKED BRITISH PREMIER ON HITLER’S CLAIM. POSITION OF THE ALLIES NOT CHANGED. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright. (Received This Day, 11.45 a.m.) LONDON, September 20. In his statement in the House of Commons, Mr Chamberlain said: “The Russian invasion of Poland has inevitably affected the situation on the Eastern front. I cannot say the Soviet’s action is unexpected. It is still too early to pronounce a final verdict on the motives of the Russian action and its consequences for the unhappy victim. The result of this cynical attack has been tragedy of the grimmest character.

Referring to Herr Hitler's speech, Mr Chamberlain said: “It is not our way to speak with boasts and threats. Perhaps for that reason, the German leaders have difficulty in understanding us, but such comments as I have to make on this speech shall not depart from cur custom of speaking soberly and quietly. Herr Hitler's speech at Danzig does not change the position with which we are confronted. Herr Hitler's account of events could not be accepted as but contained certain assurances of a kind which in recent years Herr Hitler had repudiated when it suited his purpose. Herr Hitler says much about the humane methods whereby he has waged the war. I can only say that such methods are not made humane by calling them so, and that accounts of German bombing and machine-gunning of refugees have shocked the whole world” (cheers).

“I have searched vainly in this speech,” said Mr Chamberlain, “for a single word to show that Herr Hitler remembers the brave men who have already lost their lives in this quarrel of his making, or their wives and children deprived for ever of the head of the family because Herr Hitler’s lust for power must be satisfied. Our general purpose in this struggle is well known. It is to redeem Europe from the perpetual, reccurring fear of German aggression and to enable the peoples of Europe to preserve their independence and liberties. No threats; will deter us or our French Allies from this purpose.”