Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1940. MR CHURCHILL’S FAITH.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 23, 7 November 1940, Page 4

Ashburton Guardian Magna est Veritas et Prævalebit THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 7, 1940. MR CHURCHILL’S FAITH.

The review of the war situation given by Mr Churchill in the House of Commons was characterised by the sturdy faith in Britain’s power to win that has marked all the Prime Minister’s utterances. Even in the darkest hour following the defection of France he did not waver, though he did not seek to hide from the nation the extreme gravity of the situation. On the present occasion he has given expression to most heartening words, the full tenor of which must be judged in relation to the caution that he has always displayed: There is no doubt the full malice and power of the enemy and his bombing force have been employed against us. They tried their best to obey Hitler s orders but the scale of their attack has dwindled.’’ The message to the people of Britain and of the Empire is that if they maintain their efforts- victory will crown their arms. Even without that hopeful view Britons, whatever they be, would go forward unflinchingly, but it is good to have endeavour stimulated by faith in the assurance of success. Mr Churchill told of the manner in which the forces of Britain have been strengthened, for defence and for offence. Never having in peacetime—and only once in war —organised land forces < n the massive European scale, Britain and the Empire required time to match the Germany army and its Italian auxiliaries. Fourteen months have already been allowed, although the execution done among Allies by the enemy in that time must be set 'off against the gain in British strength. And it should be admitted, also, that the British peoples did not use to the full their first year cf grace. Not until the dread meaning of the “ colossal military disaster ” of Flanders was grasped did they really begin to mobilise their men and material. But with that realisation brought home every back was bent to the task. The industrial army as well as the men of the fighting services held the front line in its sphere so that the defences have held, giving hope that the time is not far distant when a relentless offensive may achieve victory. The perils which our kinsfolk in the Mother Country are facing undauntedly constitute a call to the overseas units of the Empire to lend assistance in every possible way, without, surcease or stint.