THE WAR SO FAR

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 61, Issue 36, 22 November 1940, Page 5

THE WAR SO FAR

FULLY-ARMED GERMANY. AGAINST HALF-ARMED EMPIRENEAR EAST POSITION IMPROVED. (United Press Association—Copyright./ (Received This Day, 11.55 a.m.) LONDON, November 21. “Up to the present the war has been waged between fully-armed Germany and a quarter-or half-armed British Empire.” words came toward the end of Mr Winston Churchill’s statement in the House of Commons at the opening of the new session. Mr Churchill spoke of the two wars being waged in the Mediterranean theatre, one of which—the defence of Egypt and the Suez Canal—looked rather doubtful and difficult a few months ago, but at present gave a measure of confidence. Britain .would give a good account of herself when the invading foi’ces advanced, numerically superior though they might be. “Then there is the valiant, sudden uprising of the Greek nation who, although taken by surprise and struck a felon’s blow, has already almost entirely purged their soil of the conscript invaders who have been launched upon them in an enterprise which cannot be described other than pure unmitigated brigandage. I feel that deeds, ‘not words, are what is expected of us and certainly hope we will be able to give from our resources, which are always heavily strained, a helpful measure of assistance to the Greeks and that we will be able to discharge our responsibilities to Efeypt in defending its soil and guarding that vital artery, the Suez 'Canal,” said the Prime Minister. Indicating the business of the House, Mr Churchill said he saw no reason why the process of general debates should not be continued. He recalled that this was really a revival of ancient parliamentary practice, when Government business, was disposed of with considerable expedition and the House devoted itself to debate large, general topics of public interest. The great questions interesting the nation and occupying the attention of the press should also be the subject of current discussion in the House of Commons.

“This time-ho'noured ceremonial procedure, in which the Crown-<and Parliament played in parts, • to-day carry with them to .anxious, .minds the balm of confidence and certainty. When our beloved Sovereign Queen has come from the fyattered Palace to this building, which is not without evidence of the strokes of war, when oUr Sovereign comes to open Parliament in person and calls his faitlfful to discharge their duties, we touch at every step—in every measure in formality,. ip. every resolution we pass—wo tench customs and tl'aditfolls' yvhich. ‘ 'go ■ JiaclC’far beyond the Parliuitrentefy conflicts ‘of the Official Wireless.