APPROVING COMMENT

Wairarapa Times-Age, 11 January 1940, Page 5

APPROVING COMMENT

AT HOME AND ABROAD SPEECH THAT CRACKLED WITH DETERMINATION. FRANKNESS APPRECIATED IN BRITAIN. World-wide interest has been shown in Mr Chamberlain’s speech, and his words expressing confidence that Great Britain was ready to face up to thci grimmer struggle that lay ahead have met with warm approval, Daventry reports state. In the United States the newspapers have printed the text of the speech. The "New York Times” says: "His speech crackled with determination determination to win the war no matter what the cost. Nevertheless, he was able to look ahead clearly to the vital problems of the next peace settlement. The real strength of AngloFrench unity would be seen when the Nazi danger was ended. “If the people of post-war Britain and France can live up to his hopes for peace, there is reason to look forward without dread to the shape of things to come.” The speech is also praised in France and Italy. Italian comment is that the speech is yet another proof of the complete identity of the views of the British, and French Governments. WARNING EMPHASISED In England most of the newspapers emphasise Mr Chamberlain’s warning that the war will be grimmer and will call for greater sacrifices, but they generally assert that the Prime Minister was wise to tell the country what it was up against. The “Daily Telegraph” says: “The high, unshaken confidence of the Prime Minister is amply justified. We have only to abide by the watchword: Tn danger keep heart, in strength lift up the hand’.” The “Daily Telegraph” added that the whole nation must reduce spending and increase saving. The “Yorkshire Post" says that all classes must expect a reduction in the standard of life. Considerable interest centres in Mr Chamberlain’s definition of the economic problems, and the contribution to the national effort required of all classes. The Labour “Daily Herald” answers this by saying: "The British working class has not refused and will not refuse to make sacrifices for European freedom, but demands complete equality of sacrifice from wealth and property.” The “Manchester 'Guardian” and the “News Chronicle” call for greater definition of the economic sacrifices Mr Chamberlain refers to. The “Manchester Guardian" contends that if the Prime Minister was too busy to give these complete expression, another spokesman should have been called on to do so. The “News Chronicle” says it is not sufficient for the Government to call for sacrifices from the nation. It should have a plan. "In short, we need an economic commander-in-chief and an economic general staff.”