Prepared For Invasion

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 144, 19 June 1940, Page 7

Prepared For Invasion

BRITAIN READY Challenge To Duce's Navy And Nazi Planes FIGHTING SPEECH . / (United Press Association. —Copyright.—Rec. 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, June 18. "It is very clear that no invasion on a scale beyond the capacity of the R.A.F. is likely to occur from the air till the R.A.F. is definitely overpowered," said Mr. Winston Churchill, Prime Minister, in his statement to the House of Commons to-day. "Meanwhile," he continued, "there may be parachute raids. We ought to be able to give these gentry a warm reception.

"We are also told that the Italian Navy is coining to gain sea superiority of these waters. We shall be delighted to offer Mussolini a free, safeguarded passage through the Straits of Gibraltar in order that he may play the part which he aspires to do.

"The great question is: Can we break Hitler's air weapon> We have a most powerful air force, which has proved itself far superior in quality and personnel and types of machines to what we have met so far.

"In defence of these islands the defenders' advantages wquld be very great. During the battle of France we gave powerful and continuous aid from the air to the French Army. The battle was lost by the unfortunate strategic opening, also by the extraordinary unforeseen power of armoured forces and the great numerical preponderance of the German Army.

"We can continue an aerial war under better conditions than before. There remains the danger of bombing attack. German bomber forces are superior to ours, but we have a very large number of bombers which will be used.

"I do not underrate the'severity of our task. I believe our countrymen will show themselves capable of standing up to it. The Dominions are ready to share our fortunes and persevere to the end."