ANNIHILATION

Waikato Times, Volume 125, Issue 20987, 14 December 1939, Page 9

ANNIHILATION

NAZIS’ WAR AIM CRITICISM OF BRITAIN ALONE CAUSED THE WAR (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyrig-bt) BERLIN, Dec. 13 The German Foreign Office has issued a White Paper containing 482 documents, which a foreword by the Foreign Minister, von Ribbentrop, declares, “give irrevocable proof that Britain alone caused the war, and de-

sired it in order to destroy Germany.” Germany’s war aim, von Ribbentrop says, is the military annihilation of her enemies, and afterward the safeguarding of the living space belonging to the German people against all future threats. SECRET SESSION THE HOUSE OF COMMONS AN EXCITING ATMOSPHERE “STRANGERS ARE PRESENT” (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Dec. 14, 11.20 a.m.) LONDON, Dec. 13 For the first time since the last war members were forbidden to take friends into the lobbies, as a preliminary precaution regarding the secret session. Elaborate precautions were taken to ensure secrecy. The summons met an atmosphere of excitement. The attendance was unusually large, many being in uniform. Precisely at 4 p.m. Mr Chamberlain drew the attention of the Speaker to the fact that “strangers are present.” Attendants cleared the packed galleries. The Duke of Kent was among the Peers who alone remained. All approaches were barred and the secret session began. Feeling in Official Circles Official circles in London point out i that to-day’s secret session is an ex--1 tension rather than a limitation of the principle of freedom of discussion which the Constitution assures even in wartime. This, it is stressed, is a source of strength and for greater efficiency in administration than stifling criticism. The present session was requested by the Opposition and the Government acceded, appreciating the sense of responsibility which prompted members to seek an opportunity to speak; with freedom without providing the enemy with propaganda material. In wartime no frank discussion on the problems of the supply and service departments relating to the conduct of war can take place without affording valuable information to the enemy. The public and press fully understand that the reasons of State which prompted the decision include a wish to safeguard free discussion in wartime. Secret sessions have several percedents in British constitutional practice. BALLOON BARRAGE 300,000 ENGAGED IN WORK (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Conyrig-tit) LONDON, Dec. 12 About 300,000 men are engaged in balloon barrage work in Britain. When the war broke out the barrage system was only a year old, but when the order was given every balloon was on its way to its predetermined site within 24 hours. In order to meet the changing circumstances there have already been coni siderable developments in the use of j the barrage.