ENEMY CLAIMS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 29241, 11 October 1940, Page 6

ENEMY CLAIMS

“REPRISALS” ON LONDON GREAT DAMAGE DONE BRITISH BOMB TOBRUK (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Oct. 11. 3.15 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 10 A German communique says: Bombers in endless succession carried out reprisal attacks against London yesterday and last night. Extensive damage was done to the capital and southern England. The damage which enemy bombs caused in Western Germany and occupied territory was promptly cleared away. Some dwellings were destroyed. An Italian communique reports that the British bombed Tobruk, killing three people and wounding six. The material damage was slight. Italian detachments surprised and put to flight enemy troops near Wardeglo. in Kenya. Attacks on Coastal Towns Enemy aircraft today made several attacks on coastal towns in Kent and Sussex and the Thames Estuary, states a Ministry of Home Security communique. A few bombs were also dropped in one part of London. Little damage resulted from these attacks and there were very few casualties. Four enemy aircraft were destroyed. Four of our fighters were lost but the pilot of one is safe. CIVILIAN DEFENCE MATERIALS FOR SHELTERS STATEMENT BY MINISTER (Official Wireless) (Received Oct. 11. 3.15 p.m.) RUGBY, Oct. 10 Mr H. Morrison, in the House of Commons, in a statement on the civilian defence policy, said he would give close attention to the question of additional supplies of steel for “Anderson” shelters. He added that the question of priority affected not only steel bur cement, bricks, alloys and other things needed for aircraft and muni- , tions. and steps would be taken to control bricks and cement. A Brutal Fact “ The blitzkrieg,” Mr Morrison said, “ came all over the country, but in some parts worse than others. We are getting what we expected, and it could not be said that we did not anticipate the experience.” He agreed with what Sir Walter Citrine said at the Trades Union Congress yesterday, that if complete immunity was sought the wisest course was to sue for peace now. That was a brutal fact. “ When we entered the war,” said Mr Morrison, “we knew what we were facing at the hands of one who was responsible for bringing this curse to our country and Europe. We either had to go through with it or surrender. We are not going to surrender, because surrender would mean something for many years which would be more terrible than what we are now experiencing.” Regarding shelters, Mr Morrison said that powers have now been given to local authorities to take over basements, and they could require any suitable place to be made a shelter for the public. To facilitate the measures contemplated he is considering empowering the regional commissioners to step in over local authorities which either could not or would not do their job. Such authorities were small.

He had taken steps to utilise all deep shelters that could be made available, but everyone would agree that a deep-shelter policy could not be regarded as an immediate and complete remedy of the situation. Bunks for 750,000 People Regarding the provisions of bunks for shelters a design has been agreed upon and contracts to provide bunks for 750,000 people have already been placed. Deliveries might be expected to begin next week and more orders are being placed. Some local authorities are proceeding with the provision of steel bunks, and actually are making them. He had given instructions that the tubes must be used to the extent of which they are capable, and a survey would be made of all deep shelter available, so that the best use can be made of it. He could not promise an easy life for anybody in the present situation, but would do everything possible to lighten the trials and suffering of the people, to whom he paid tribute for their fine behaviour. The defence machine, as a whole, had stood the test. The country must learn from its mistakes and go on learning, not aiming at perfection but at making the organisation as effective as possible. Upon its standing up to this great test must depend whether we are to remain free men and women or whether we are to go under the awful slavery which would be infinitely worse than the trouble through which we are now passing. DOMINION MINISTERS DISCUSSIONS IN LONDON (United Press Assn.—Elo** t«l. Copyright) LONDON, Oct. 9 ; In the House of Lords, Viscount : Elibank said the time had come to j broaden the basis of the War Cabinet j and make it more Imperial by including Dominion representatives, j Lord Snell, deputy leader of the I House, said that the Government was I constantly mindful of the desirabilI ity of arranging personal discussion I with Dominion Ministers whenever i possible, but it was felt that the presI ent time was inopportune to invite Dominion Ministers to visit London j for an Imperial War Conference? or | other discussions. However, it would ! welcome discussions if an occasion j offered.