The Waikato Times. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1939 BRITAIN FACES TASK

Waikato Times, Volume 124, Issue 20735, 20 February 1939, Page 6

The Waikato Times. MONDAY, FEBRUARY 20, 1939 BRITAIN FACES TASK

Britain’s determination to make herself secure against aggression is emphasised vividly by the fact that in a free country where anyone might express his opinion, not a word of protest has been heard about a decision to raise the staggering sum of £800,000,000 for defence purposes in the next five years. That very unanimity is one of Britain’s most powerful defences* the meaning of which will not be lost on other European Powers. The courage displayed is the more remarkable when it is remembered ihat the colossal expenditure is to be devoted to something that is really anathema to a peace-loving people. Deplored as the expenditure is, it is being accepted calmly as the only alternative to foreign domination.

Coincidentally, the debate on unemployment in Britain drew attention to the stubbornness of that problem and raised the question what might have been done with that £800,000,000 to rehabilitate workless people into useful occupations. It is true, however, that the root causes of rearmament are also to a large extent responsible for the continuation of the unemployment problem. Banish the fear of war and reopen the channels of trade and unemployment could be solved. It is remarkable, nevertheless, that such huge expenditure on armaments has not created work for more men. That in itself is a striking illustration of the fact that intensive arming is a waste of effort, a drag on the standard of living and an eventual impoverishment of a nation.

Britain has been presented with the choice of two evils—rearmament or a certain threat to its existence as an independent and free nation. The people have made their choice with convincing unanimity. The responsibility accepted has stiffened the morale of the people, and the consciousness that they arc doing the right thing is becoming increasingly evident with every public utterance of the leaders. “We are not prepared to surrender any of our vital interests in pursuit of peace,” the Chancellor of the Exchequer said. “There is an increasing feeling throughout the country regarding the prospects of peace. This increasing feeling of security 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.”

The fact that Britain has planned a huge expenditure over a period of five years does not necessarily indicate that it expects the necessity for rearmament to continue for that length of time. With the end of the Spanish war and other developments it may be possible for the Powers to reach an understanding, but it is certain that if for the remainder of the five years the danger of attack continues, Britain will maintain its grim task of meeting strength with still greater strength.