STAND FIRM.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 158, 5 July 1940, Page 7

STAND FIRM.

PREMIER'S MESSAGE.

No Thought Of Peace On Possible Eve Of Invasion. ANSWER TO ENEMY LIES. British Official Wireless. (Received 1.30 p.m.) RUGBY, July 4. In concluding his speech, Mr. Churchill said the time "was not one for doubts or weakness, and ho read to the House a message which had been sent to all those serving in important positions under the Crown, of which the following is a summary : —

Declaring that Britain is now on what might be the eve of invasion, the Prime Minister exhorted firmness to all holding responsible positions, end stated that while every precaution must be taken there were no grounds for supposing more German troops could be landed than could be captured or destroyed by the forces at present under arms.

The R.A.F., the message continued, was at the highest strength yet attained, while the German Navy was never to weak. The British Army at home was never so strong.

Concluding his speech, Mr. Churchill said: "I feel we are entitled to the confidence of the House. They should entirely and readily believe we have not failed in our duty. However painful it may have been, the action we have already taken should in itself be sufficient to dispose at once and for all of the lies and rumuuw which have been so industriously spread in the United States end elsewhere by German propaganda, and which you meet with here, fostered by Fifth Column activities.

"These lies and rumoure suggested that we had some intention of entering into negotiations with the German and Italian Governments. Any idea of that should be completely swep*, out of the way by the very drastic and grievous action we felt ourselves compelled to take.

"No, there is no thought of negotiation. There ig no thought here, I say, in this country, whose love of peace has so long. There ie no thought here of peace. We shall prosecute the war with our utmost vigour, by all means open to us, until the righteous purpose for which we entered upon it has been in all respects fulfilled."