NO EFFORT SPARED

Wairarapa Times-Age, 27 October 1941, Page 7

NO EFFORT SPARED

IN HELPING RUSSIA MR ANTHONY EDEN’S DECLARATION STATEMENT BY FIRST LORD. FAITH IN RUSSIAN DEFENCE. (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, October 25. The Foreign Secretary, Mr. Eden, speaking in Manchester today said that everyone felt the deepest admiration for the Russians’ heroic resistance. ‘‘lf you are watching every phase of this struggle, so is the Government. If you are deeply moved, so are we. We know only too well that the Russians are bearing the burden which was ours a year ago. You may be sure that the Government has done and will do everything in its power to help the Russians, whose cause is our cause,” the Minister said. Broadly speaking, our purpose is to seek with American help to make up to Russia by our supplies what she has lost through the German occupation of part of her industrial territory. That is an immensely formidable task, not only in production, but also in shipping. The production effort required will be enormous, but you, I feel sure, will make it.” Mr. Eden added, “At a time like this, when the mind of each one of us is with the Russian armies on their battlefronts, it is natural that some of you should be tempted to ask the question: ‘Will the Foreign Secretary tell us when and where we are going to strike, or at least that we shall strike.’

“That is the point on which it is not in my power to enlighten you. But this I can tell you: From the first hour of the German attack on Russia the War Cabinet and the Government as a whole have concentrated every effort upon the task of giving the utmost help to Russia. There has been neither hesitation nor reserve. We shall take no action to gain transient popular favour, and we will dare any action where we believe the hazards would be justified. “The Government, indeed, has but one purpose, which is yours and M. Stalin’s too—how , best to defeat Hitler.”

The First Lord of the Admiralty, Mr. Alexander, speaking at Kettering tonight, said that nothing in the history of modern warfare surpassed the gallantry and devotion that were being displayed by Russia’s forces, especially their grand land and air forces. “I believe in the Russian defence,” he said. “I believe in it because perhaps I know Russian territory and points of the Russian military layout a little more intimately than some who gave me advice.

“I have never had any doubt that the Russians would resist gallantly, and to the point of daily and hourly sacrifice.”

Speaking of British aid to Russia, Mr. Alexander said, “The navy has not been idle. We have sent some naval equipment besides escorting convoys destined for Russia.” He added that he had lived close day and night, alongside Mr Churchill, and he not only had faith in the defence of the Russians, but also in the Prime Minister.