PROPOSAL FOR PEACE

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20957, 9 November 1939, Page 7

PROPOSAL FOR PEACE

BRITAIN MUST STAND FIRM EVACUATION OF POLAND DEMANDED AGGRESSOR MUST RENOUNCE ILL-GOTTEN GAINS (Official Wireless) (Received Nov. 9, 11 a.m.) RUGBY, Nov. 8 Press comment offers a clear indication as to how the public regards the Hague peace appeal. The Times says the fact that the Netherlands and Belgian monarchs, whose joint offer of their services as intermediaries on the very eve of the invasion of Poland was rebuffed by the arrogance of Hitler, can even now nourish some degree of optimism will not be regarded lightly.

The Times adds: “It is certain that in no circumstances can Britain’s declaration of policy, as stated by Mr Chamberlain, be compromised, and it is perhaps necessary to add that we are pledged not to reat for peace without participation by the Government of Poland, to which it is not stated that a copy of Their Majesties’ offer has been addressed. The reply that Britain will no doubt send must clearly embody these fundamentals.”

The Daily Telegraph says: “A lasting peace must be an honourable peace, and at present there is no sort of evidence that the conditions of an honourable peace are obtainable. When the wrongdoer shows readiness to abandon his aggressions and renounce the ill-gotten rewards of them it will be time to talk of discussing with him the foundation of a lasting peace.”

The Herald says: “If Germany would first withdraw her troops from Poland and Czechoslovakia Britain and France would be prepared to discuss the terms of a peace settlement. There would be no harm in using the good offices of Belgium and Holland in order to make that clear to Hitler once again.”

The News Chronicle says: “As long as the aggressor is in possession of his prey and as long as he denies the fundamental rights of individuals and states, the only answer we can give is to refer to our war aims and stand fast.”