ALLIES READY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 2 April 1940, Page 5

ALLIES READY

INTENSIFICATION OF WAR PREDICTED ARMIES FIT AND WELL. ANTICIPATED TIGHTENING OF BLOCKADE. By Telegraph—Press Association —Copyright LONDON, April 1. Articles in nearly every leading English newspaper foreshadow an intensification of the war. The reports of the meeting of the Supreme War Council and Mr Churchill’s speech are both regarded as evidence that the Allies have something up their sleeve. The “Daily Telegraph,” the “Daily Mail,” the “Manchester Guardian” and the "News Chronicle” give prominence to forecasts of a tightening of the blockade of Germany. None of them has official confirmation and each has its own pet theory, but most agree that an attempt will be made to end the supply of iron ore to Germany via Norwegian waters, and that consideration will also be given to the question of supplies of food and oil- to Germany from the south-east. The "Manchester Guardian” considers that Mr Churchill’s speech indicates that the War Council has decided on an intensified prosecution of the war and a more active economic policy in the Balkans. German reaction might take the form of military activity, probably in the air, but the enemy would find Britain well prepared. On the question of preparedness “The Times” says that despite the severe winter the army is fit and well. The absence of fighting has enabled more experienced non-commissioned officers to be employed in training the men than would otherwise have been the case. All commentators recognise the difficulties inherent in endeavouring to stop the iron ore trade but the “Daily Telegraph” says that if neutrals are unable to uphold their neutrality the Allies must ensure that neutral waters are no longer used as a means of evading the blockade. The “New York Times” says that the effects of the blockade of Germany have been under-estimated by foreign nations but not by Germany. Semi-official German sources admitted in February that the blockade had wiped out half their trade and, the paper comments, if so much is admitted the true effect of the blockade might be considerably greater. In trying to stop the use of territorial waters the Allies might encounter difficulties over neutrality issues but neither London nor Paris seemed unduly perturbed at this.

POLICY STATEMENT EXPECTED FROM PREMIER. LONDON, April 1. The “Daily Telegraph” says th'at the Prime Minister, Mr Chamberlain, is expected to make an important announcement . tomorrow on the Allies' war policy at the resumption of the session of the House of Commons. According to a Daventry report, Mr Chamberlain will make a full statement on the important decisions arrived at by the Supreme War Council. MR. CHURCHILL’S SPEECH GOOD IMPRESSION MADE IN RUMANIA. BUCHAREST, March 31. The address by Mr Churchill has created an excellent impression, though most Rumanian circles and newspapers, in accordance with the neutrality policy, refrain from comment.

NAZI COMMENT BERLIN, March 31. The journal “Der Montag” says: "Mr Churchill is apparently afraid that the French might irritate Russia too much. His speech against the neutrals and his remarks regarding Russia must convince the small neutrals that an attack by Britain and France can be expected.”