LOOKING TO VICTORY

Wairarapa Times-Age, 5 June 1940, Page 5

LOOKING TO VICTORY

MR DUFF COOPER BROADCASTS VISIT TO OPPOSITE NUMBER IN PARIS. TRIBUTE TO FRENCH PEOPLE. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, June 3. Broadcasting from Paris, where he had been discussing with his French opposite number various matters of mutual concern, the Minister of Information, Mr A. Duff Cooper, said: “It often happens that facts which seem to be of little interest to Britain are of vital importance to the French, and there is always the danger that through ignorance something might be revealed that might prove dangerous to the other. Today we have been discussing those matters and we have found ourselves in complete agreement, and I am convinced that my visit has been well worth while, because the two Ministries will cooperate more usefully in the future. “In order that we may understand a little of what the French people are feeling we must try to put ourselves in their place and imagine how' wo should be feeling if the whole of Scotland had been completely overrun and if all the northern towns and many of the Midlands towns and principal ports of the north-east coast were in the hands of the enemy, while at the same time our harbours on the south coast were being bombed day and night. “That is the position in France today, and the people of Paris know that the most powerful army in the world, firmly based on French soil, is preparing to deliver a fresh, blow at the heart of France. “In these circumstances it is impressive to see how the French people are going about their business with all the usual energy, industry, and calm.”

Mr Duff Cooper said that the French people realised that they were fighting for their lives, but they have fought for their lives before; they have been invaded before, always by the same invader. They are not afraid of Hitler. They arc a tough people, very different from us and often very difficult for us to understand. but they have two things which matter-love for their own country and courage to die for it. “As long as our two peoples remain united there is no cause for fear. Throughout the world. including Germany, there are people who love freedom, justice and honour. All of these people are on our side, and though they may not be organised in battalions, brigades, or divisions, the weight behind them is overwhelming. But what is needed is the necessary time to ensure that weight shall make itself felt.

"In this critical hour of battle every one of us can play his or her part, not only by putting into the job he is engaged upon every ounce at his disposal but also by refusing to have anything to do with traitors and cowards who dare to suggest that we can be defeated and who seek to sow dissension among us.

"We are living through one of the very great moments of history. I believe we shall look back upon it with supreme pride when the final victory, which is as certain as the sun is in heaven, shall be achieved.”