INVASION THREAT

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

INVASION THREAT

AIR AND SEA POWER. Britain Closing Gaps In Defences. "CRAFTY, CIWNING ENEMY." United Press Association. —Copyright. (Received 1 p.m.) LONDON, June 18. "Events in France in the past fortnight have not surprised me," said Mr. Churchill, in his House of Commons speech. "Whatever happens in France will not make any difference to the resolve of Britain and , the British Empire will fight on if necessary for years, if necessary alone. We may expect the largest additions to our weapons in the near future.

"The invasion of Britain will require the transport across the sea of hostile arjnies on the largest scale. After their transportation they would have to be continually maintained with all munitions and supplies required for a continuous battle, and a continuous battle it would be. After all, we have a Navy, which some people seem to forget. We are far more capable of meeting a sea borne invasion on a great scale than we were in periods of the last war and in the early months of this war. Cover of Fog atad Darkness. "The Navy never pretended to be able to prevent raids by bodies of 5000 or 10,000 men flung across the sea during a dark night or foggy morning. We must remember that even five divisions, very lightly equipped, would require 200 or 250 ships, and with modern air reconnaissance and photographs it would not be easy to equip such an armada and marshal and take it across the eea without a powerful escorting naval force. It would be intercepted long before it reached the coast.

Any New Surprises? "The question is whether there are any new methods wliereby it is possible to circumvent the safeguards we have relied on for many years. The Admiralty is giving attention to the question. The enemy is crafty, cunning and full of novel treacheries and stratagems. We have the largest number of competent officers, thoroughly up to date, to counteract these novel possibilities.

"Our position has grown worse since the beginning of the war by the fact that the Germans have conquered a large part of the West European coastline. This has aggravated the possibilities of air attack.

United States' Help. "We are now assured of immense and increasing support in supplies and munitions of all kinds from the United States, and especially 'planes and pilots from the Dominions. The winter will impose a strain on the Nazi regime, which, for all its ruthlessne«*s, will run it very hard. >

"During the laet six months we have enormously improved our methods of defence. In casting up - the dread balance-sheet and contemplating our dangers, I see great reason for intense vigilance, but none whatever for panic. We do not yet know what will happen in France, whether French resistance will be prolonged in France or in the French Empire. However matters go in France, with the present or another French Government, we in these inlands and in the British Km pi re will not lose our sense of comradeship with the French people.

"If we were now called on to endure what they have suffered we would emulate this courage. If final victory rewards our toil they shall share the gains and freedom shall be restored to all. We ehall abate nothing of our just demande. The Czechs, Poles, Norwegians, Belgians and Dutch, all who have joined their cause to ours, shall be restored."

CABINET RESIGNS.

CHANGE IN RUMANIA.

(Received noon.) BERLIN, June 18. The official news agency stated that the Rumanian Cabinet had resigned.

A country of great economic importance, Rumania is closely watched by Russia and Germany. Pressure from the latter country has been very noticeable of late. While in the earlier part of the war the Allied pressure maintained some balance in Rumania's international outlook, during the last few

months Rumania has made many important steps towards pacifying the Germans. The Fascist organisation, the Iron Guard, which was suppressed, was revived in March, and damages for the execution of mem'bers of the Guard were paid. The following month a trade pact with Germany was signed, and a trade delegation was sent to Italy. On the other hand. Rumania has been trying to remain friendly with Russia, and there have been numerous rumours of pacts.