ISLAND FORTRESS

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 115, 17 May 1941, Page 9

ISLAND FORTRESS

Britain's Power A G.uarantee Of Victory BUILDING UP ARMAMENTS British Official Wireless. Rec. 12.30 p.m. RUGBY, May 16. The Minister of Information, Mr. Duff Cooper, broadcasting to Latin America, expressed regret that the strict enforcement of the blockade, which was essential to victory, should have caused any hardship to the South American countries.

"I am convinced they will bear this suffering with patience, and afterwards any sacrifices will be redeemed a hundredfold," the Minister added. "Britain will continue to stand firm. More than that. Britain will continue on her determined way until she has massed within her island fortress sufficient weight of material to deal Hitler a mortal blow and win the war. This coiling up of the springs of power can be achieved—is indeed being achieved to-day—by the exercise of Britain's strength at sea and in the air. For not only does this strength guarantee the defence of Britain against any direct onslaught that Hitler may attempt, but British sea and air power also guarantee that that vast programme of arms production now being undertaken by the United States will not be wasted. The weapons we need for victory in the battle for freedom will steadily pile up against the day of reckoning."