“THIS STRANGE WAR”

Wairarapa Times-Age, 10 November 1939, Page 6

“THIS STRANGE WAR”

BRITISH PRIME MINISTER’S COMMENT DURATION OF PRESENT PHASE UNCERTAIN. CONFIDENCE IN FIGHTING SERVICES. By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright i Received This Day, 11.55 a.m.) LONDON. November 9. ('onnneni ing. in his speech read ai the Mansion House by Sii- John Simon, on "I his si range war. seemingly more like a siege io those rememberin'!' the conflict of 19141915,” the Prime Minister (Mr Chamberlain) said they did not know how long the present phase would last or whether it might at any moment be converted into violent con diet.

“W T e have no reason to regret, while wo are strengthening our defences and building up our offensive power, that there has been so far no major battle," Mr Chamberlain continued. “The efficiency of the three services has proved such as to inspire us with confidence in their ability lo meet future tasks."

It was perhaps natural that in the absence of the stimulus and excitement provided by great and stirring events there should be a good deal of complaint about the Government’s restrictions and control. It would be a miracle if everything had turned out as expected, when the Government was forced to plan months ahead for circumstances at which it could only guess. Mr Chamberlain appealed for a reasonable amount of tolerance and recognition of the really good work done. It was admitted that such things as blackout and evacuation had caused inconvenience. but the experience of the last war proved the importance of beginning with an effective machine instead of learning by trial and error. The Government intended to modify the restrictions in j light of experience from time to time. The armed forces eventually would equal and possibly surpass those of the last war. The complete unity of the nation and the Empire was one of the strongest factors making for victory.