POLANDS PLIGHT

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20915, 21 September 1939, Page 7

POLANDS PLIGHT

TRIBUTES TO THE ARMY ALLIES INABILITY TO AID LESSON FOR FUTURE (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Sept. 21, 12.30 p,m.) LONDON, Sept. 20 Mr A. Greenwood (Labour) following Mr Chamberlain in the House of 'Commons, said the Prime Minister spoke with firmness, also with reticence, of the change due to the Soviet action. lie added: “Another power has committed an act of aggression; there can be no doubt as to that fact. There can be no doubt that the justification offered is one which reasonable people who have had, as we have •had, knowledge of previous acts of aggression could not accept for one moment ; but It is difficult to weigh the reactions and repercussions of Sunday’s events. Speculation is useless.” Joining in Mr Chamberlain’s tribute to a magnificent and heroic nation, Mr Greenwood went on to express regret that it had not been possible to bring the Allies’ assistance more swiftly to Poland, although, perhaps, no help could have enabled Poland to withstand the joint assault of Germans and Russians. The fact that Britain was not able to move for her before, lay on his conscience. The lesson from ihis was important—in future the country’s friends should receive certain and generous help. Mr Greenwood said that Hitler had failed to understand the mind of Britain. “He fails to realise the fact of Poland being partially dismembered

and disabled does not weaken but strengthens our determination.” Mr Greenwood expressed concern lest the dislocation of normal trade at home in the early days of war should result in a big increase in unemployment and waste of available labour resources at a time when the service of every man and woman should be coordinated into a gigantic national effort to bring the war to a successful conclusion—an apprehension which likewise was expressed by Sir Sinclair, 'Liberal Leader.