CRITICAL DANGER

Auckland Star, Volume LXXII, Issue 137, 12 June 1941, Page 7

CRITICAL DANGER

War Secretary Addresses New U.S. Army Officers NAZI FANATICISM WASHINGTON, June 11. The Secretary for War, Mr. H. L. Stimson, addressing 428 new army officers at West Point, said the world was not big enough to hold the democratic and Nazi systems. "The task of meeting this crisis may fall upon your shoulders," he said. "Do not under-estimate the critical danger facing our country or the courage and diligence needed. "The Nazi armies have had seven vears of efficient, tireless preparation. Shrewd, ruthless methods have inculcated a spirit of fanaticism. Such men and armies cannot be successfully resisted without equal intelligent effort and superior devotion. "I have talked to many gallant British soldiers who have endured the agonies of Dunkirk, the Balkans and North Africa. The tenor of their words is always the same: '(jive us the numbers and the equipment equal to our opponent's. We know we are better men.'

"The issue between the democratic way and the totalitarian way is the issue between right and wrong, between freedom and slavery, and between kindness and cruelty. The situation to-day is exactly the same as that faced by Wncoln 83 years ago. A nation divided against itself cannot stand.

"The world to-day is divided between two camps. The issue is irreconcilable and cannot be appeased. Humanity cannot permanently make terms with injustice, wrong and cruelty."