STRONG BRITAIN

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20734, 18 February 1939, Page 7

STRONG BRITAIN

MORE SECURE FEELING

PROSPECTS OF PEACE FRENCH COOPERATION (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 17 In a public speech Sir John Simon, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: “We are not prepared to surrender any of our vital interests in the pursuit of peace. There is an increasing feeling throughout the country regarding the prospects of peace. “This more secure feeling results, firstly, from the knowledge that Britain is growing stronger every day and that the people are prepared to shoulder any and every burden necessary for security. Secondly, it arises from the close and warm understanding between Britain and France. "Thirdly, it results from the good relations with the United States, and, fourthly, from the prospects of an eaTly ending of the Spanish war. Above all, it results from the determination with which Mr Chamberlain pursued the promotion of understanding with others, whatever their form of government.” Sir John Simon added that. Britain’s rearmament was not aggressive. Britain would welcome the day when a general reduction of armaments was effectively secured by international agreement, thus enabling labour and capital to be devoted to works of peace.

MR CHAMBERLAIN’S POLICY SWING IN HIS FAVOUR THE REMOVAL OF MISGIVINGS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 17 The tide of public misgivings, caused by events which have occurred since the September settlement at Munich, seems to be receding. Mr Chamberlain’s recent speeches, and especially his statement that he looked to Herr Hitler for actions In proof of his good intentions, have done much to remove the British public’s doubts as to the wisdom of his methods. The current has now set in again in his favour. The Sunday Times says: “The wisdom of Mr Chamberlain’s policy Is its power of distinguishing between real and unreal grievances. It Is shrewder than many, even among his friends, realise.

“Reports from Germany continue to indicate the growth of anti-Nazi feeling. People are beginning to wonder whether, even if Herr Hitler wanted It, Germany would embark on a war.” Dr. Hermann Rauschning, formerly Nazi President in the Danzig Senate, says in the Spectator that Mr Chamberlain is the most popular man in Germany, and that he has caused an enormous change in German sentiment since September. POSITION OF EIRE CANNOT REMAIN NEUTRAL MUST DEFEND HERSELF (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) DUBLIN, Feb. 17 It was impossible for Eire to remain neutral in the event of war between Britain and another country,

said the President. Mr de Valera, in the debate on the defence estimates in the Dail.

As long as any part of Ireland was occupied by the British there would always be a section wishing for Britain’s downfall, in the hope of regaining Irish freedom. Nevertheless, any enemy of Britain would aim at cutting off food supplies, and would be likely to bomb Irish ports. Therefore it was essential that Ireland should be ready to defend herself in order that, in the event of war, she could continue to trade with England in cattle and other products. The greater part of the money for defence would be spent on aeroplanes and anti-aircraft guns. The Leader of the Opposition, Mr W. T. Gosgrave, announced that his party would vote against the estimates ''of £5,500,000), which he considered wildly extravagant. Subsequently, however, the estimates were passed by 39 votes to 26. UNDERGROUND GARAGES USE AS AIR RAID SHELTERS (United Press Assn.— Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Feb. 17 Speaking in the House of Lords, the' Earl of Birkenhead said Government

experts were considering the possibilities of underground garages to be used in wartime as air raid shelters.