WAR OUTLOOK

Wairarapa Times-Age, 23 October 1939, Page 7

WAR OUTLOOK

MR HORE=BELISHA’S SURVEY GERMAN BLUNDERS NOTED. RUSSIA'S PROMPT SEIZURE OF ADVANTAGES. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, October 21. Tn a broadcast to the nation today the Secretary of War. Mr Hore-Belisha. reviewed the war situation. 1 Remarking that tomorrow was the seventh Sunday since the Prime Min ister, every means of conciliation hav ing been exausted, announced that henceforth the British task was to “re deem Europe from the perpetually re curring fear of German aggression anc. enable the people of Europe to pre serve their independence and liberties," Mr Hore-Belisha said: "That it the great, supreme task, and the British people have settled down to play their part in completing that task. The virtue most required is patience. “So far the war has differed from preconceptions. Many have thought that more would happen, such as decisive land, sea or air battles, and the home front was expected to be nearer to the grim reality. Many persons have been ready for action night and day, but the seven weeks have been useful in implementing our preparations. And for all the apparent inactivity, decisive developments have in fact occurred. GERMANY & SOVIET. The constant cry of Nazi Germany had been since the inception "Give us a free and in the East,” the War Secretary continued. There was a long agenda of conquests to be made in that direction. Poland was but an item. The Baltic States were to be dominated, bui from these the German nationals are now in retreat .Russia had claimed this sphere of influence. The corn-fields of the Ukraine were coveted, but Russia had made sure of this harvest. Through Poland, Nazi Germany was to have en trance to Rumania. This entrance was barred by Russia. "Also there was the coveted •BerlinBaghdad route,'' Mr Hore-Belisha said. "Turkey alone could be the avenue to this ambition, and Turkey, a brave and, respected friend, stands firmly in the] path. Iraq is likewise our loyal and un-l shakable ally." TIME FIGHTS FOR ALLIES. Referring to the Allies' nrlitary position, Mr Hore Belisa said :— "Germany I must realise that time fights for the 1 Allies. She could try to smash through! by land, sea and air, or remain quies-l cent in the hope that we would prematurely take up the offensive, or lure 1 us to discuss specious terms for a 1 peace.

"An offensive against prepared positions would be unprofitable, and our strong defence on the Western Front is daily becoming stronger The enemy will pay dearly for the massed attack there but our commanders are unlikely before its suits them to risk the lives of our soldiers.

"The expulsion of the German commerce from the sea is incontrovertible, and we still have 21,000,000 tons of shipping. We do not underestimate the loss of two important ships of the Fleet. Our Auxiliary Air Force lost amateur status at Rosyth. The British force will be increased by militiamen in the age groups and volunteers of all ages, of whom we have already taken 50,000. “Our annies will be officered in future almost entirely by promotions from the ranks. The final magnitude of our effort will depend on the extent to which • the factories can supplyequipment and munitions for our men, and I appeal to them, to their workmen and directors to intensify their part. DOMINIONS & INDIA. "The Dominions are making ready contingents to stand beside our own. They never fail to emphasise their solidarity and their Ministers are even now on their way to London to discuss the best means of consolidating the Imperial effort. The Indian troops are in position at several strategic points of India, and all other parts of the Em - pire are anxious to take increasing measures. _ , “As the days pass Nazi Germany must watch this gathering momentum and realise that time is on the side of France.. Britain and the Empire." Referring to Poland, the War Secretary said that Herr Hitler had fixed in advance the day of his assault, and Poland in endeavouring to resist the devastation, had had her army destroyed, but the memory of her valour was indestructible. The aggressor had calculated that ruthless action would intimidate western friends of Poland, but it was not in the character of France or Britain to desert an ally. "No peace proposals relying for their sanction on a broken word can be considered. Nothing but guarantees for the establishment of a new order from which the menace of Nazi oppression is removed can justify the laying down of arms,” he declared. “Our aim are not•• defined by geographical frontiers but are concerned with the human spirit. This is not a war about a map but to re-establish conditions under which nations and individuals, including Germany, can live again. "Only a defeat of Nazi Germany can lighten the darkness shrouding our cities and lighten the world's horizon.”