BRITAIN FIRM

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20906, 11 September 1939, Page 7

BRITAIN FIRM

WAR FOR THREE YEARS GREAT NATIONAL EFFORT REPLY TO GERMANY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Sept. 9 In response to Field-Marshal Goering's hints that Germany is ready for an "honourable” peace the official spokesman announced that Britain is not ready to negotiate until German troops have been entirely withdrawn from Poland. The Ministry of Information states that Cabinet is basing Its polloy on the assumption that the war will last tor three years or longer. The statement adds that the Ministry ol' Supply will act forthwith to ensure that the productive capacity of munitions is increased on a scale to meet every possible uemaiid. The Admiralty and Llie Air Ministry arc arranging accordingly. In the great national effort implicit in the War Cabinet's decision attention will be paid to civil needs, and also to the importance of maintaining export trade. l’he War Cabinet is confident that this significant decision will be wholeheartedly supported by the British peoples and welcomed by their friends and allies. Britain’s Emphatic Answer In commenting on Field-Marshal Ooering's hint and the British preparations lor a war lasting tl4*ee years, the New York Times states: — “This is Britain's emphatic and uumistakaole answer to Field-Marshal Uoenng s suggestion that she might be prepared to reconsider her position, il is also a reply to wishful thinkers who arc accepting at face value rumours of discontent in Germany. We know there is discontent, but welllinomed people feel that it will be a long time beiore it is serious enough to count as a real factor. The war is not popular in Germany, but it is not believed that Nazism will crack until Germany is hit so hard that Germans are ready to brave the Gestapo in order to discard Nazism. “Uniciaily, emphasis is laid less on the assumption mat the war will last iliree years than on the pledges that Britain is determined to see it through. There is not the slightest doubt that the Government has expressed the nation's firm resolve. “The real point of Field-Marshal Goering's speecli lies in his appeal to Mr Chamberlain. Evidently the German leaders are still hoping that the French and British resolution to light Nazism to the bitter end is not irrevocable. They will soon learn the mistakenness of that hope.” Germans May Seek Settlement A British official wireless message states that an indication is apparent in German comment that the Nazi leaders hope to turn to account whatever initial success the superior weight of their arms in Poland may bring in seeking an early settlement/ This is regarded in Britain as evidence that Herr Hitler and hia colleagues are adding another to the series of miscalculations which brought war upon Europe and subjected Poland to the horrora of invaalon and the German people themaelvea to privations and the misery of hopelessness. PRAYERS FOR PEACE BAS-MABKB IN CHURCHEB AT ABBEY AND TOMB (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 10, 11.20 a.m.) LONDON, Sept. 10 Large congregations in the principal churches included many men in uniform. Ail civilians carried gas masks. Arrangements were made to. deal with possible air raid alarms, retreats being provided. There was continuous intercession in Westminster Abbey for peace. People prayed at the Unknown Warrior's tomb throughout the day. TRAIN BOMBED CROWDED WITH REFUGEES CASUALTIES AMONG CIVILIANS Lulled Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) PARIS, September 9 German aeroplanes bombed and machine-gunned a refugee train, acuruhng to the Basle correspondent of ..e Soil’, first at Warsaw station, and then four more times before it crossed ne frontier near Riga. The machines twice swooped down low over the lain, which had to he halted while ne passengers lay down in the woods. Unco two Polish aeroplanes appeared and fought violently against he raiders, shooting down two of The refugees were 36 hours without loud. Refugees from Cracow report that -.■mbs wrecked blocks of flats in tfi e ;ity, kilting louo people. Tho correspondent of the Associated Press of America reports from Lublin that tlie crews of seven German aircraft landed there on Friday declaring, “We do not want to fight . for Hitler.” I The machines and the aviators were interned.