LIKE THUNDERSTORM

Wairarapa Times-Age, 3 July 1942, Page 4

LIKE THUNDERSTORM

DEBATE IN THE COMMONS MAY CLEAR AIR NATION IN QUESTIONING MOOD. DEMANDS GN CHURCHILL & AUCHINLECK. « (Special P.A. Correspondent.) (Received This Day, 12.15 p.m.) LONDON, July 2. The House or Commons debate arrived like a long-desired thunderstorm, which it is hoped will clear the air and wipe away an oppressive atmosphere. Throughout the war there been such a period of unhappy self-question-ing throughout the nation as has been witnessed during the period after the fall of Tobruk and the present debate. The fact that it has overshadowed the gravest trend of events; in Egypt has only served to heighten the mood of national self-examination.

This had much to do with the rather half-hearted decision to proceed with the motion of censure —while the fact that Mr Churchill insisted that it should be held certainly did not weaken his position. It is realised that the debate, of itself, can do little or nothing to alter the immediate position in Egypt, for which, reason the public is locking and hoping for at least two things—firstly, a decisive check to Rommel and second, that Mr Churchill will give assurances or proof that mistakes and maladministration are being rectified.

For this reason, Mr Churchill's statement undoubtedly was the most anxi-ously-awaited speech in the entire debate. If both hopes can be realised. Britain will continue the war invigorated, but even if both are not realised, the country will lose nothing of its determination ultimately to regain the lost positions and to continue the prosecution of the war with the utmost vigour, possibly forcing measures of reorganisation which are now considered necessary. This statement is not based on any generalisations, but on the plain fact that the British people inevitably bring forth their best when facing the gravest position. In fact it is unfortunately recognised that they often require reverses before they bring out their best efforts. Thus, at this grave moment, all eyes are turned to Mr Churchill and General Auchinleck, from both of whom decisive results are expected.