INDIGNATION IN GERMANY

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22467, 30 July 1938, Page 15

INDIGNATION IN GERMANY

LABOUR MEMBER’S SPEECH BERLIN WITHIN BOMBING RANGE (Received July 29, 10.30 a.m.) BERLIN, July 28. Comment by Mr F. Montague, a Labour member of the House of Commons, after the announcement that airliners would shortly fly from London to Berlin non-stop has caused an outcry in Germany. Mr Montague said that if it would be possible in 1940 to carry 20 passengers non-stop to Berlin, it would also be possible to carry 40 bombs. < This caused an uproar in the House, ' with the result that Mr Montague sg3sologised to Mr Speaker and withradrew the remark. I ‘ \ The German newspapers, howelver, have taken up the matter as justification for German armament. The “Lokal Anzeiger” states: “What is the use of indignation in the House of Commons, as thousands like Mr Montague are agitating for war against Germany.” The “Morgen Post” states: "The incident has proved how right Germany is to seize every opportunity to make herself very strong.” Acting under official instructions, all the newspapers exploit the Montague incident. The entire press has been given a free hand in the use of whatever invective they like to choose, with the result that every journal carries huge front page headlines, suggesting that the Montague incident is the most important aspect of yesterday’s debate. Typical headlines are: “Monstrous Scandal in British House of Commons”; “Incredible War Agitation In Commons”; “Forty Bombs for Berlin. but We Will Defend Ourselves.” Mr Montague is described as a traitor, criminal, rogue, and political highwayman. The reason for giving prominence to a minor member’s speech is not clear, but it is thought that the Underlying idea is to assist Mr Chamberlain’s policy of appeasement with Germany.