THE ATTITUDE OF RUSSIA

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23052, 21 June 1940, Page 9

THE ATTITUDE OF RUSSIA

Concern Caused In Berlin PROJECTED PACT WITH TURKEY (UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION —COPYRIGHT.) (Received June 21, 2.30 p.m.) LONDON, June 19. Indications of renewed Russian intervention in south-eastern and northern Europe continue to arouse speculation. The Moscow radio broadcast in both.-Russian and French last night and the announcer said that Russia would enter the war, “If rjecessary.” Mr Churchill’s speech was also given fully over the Moscow radio, and significance is attached to the fact that this is the first occasion on which a British statesman’s speech has been, conveyed in full to the Russian people. Reports from other sources suggest that Russia’s attitude is causing some concern in Berlin. It is reported from Moscow that the Turkish Foreign Minister (Sukru Saracoglu) will go to Moscow to sign a non-aggression pact, which was discussed earlier in the year. BRITAIN READY FOR TEST MR DUFF COOPER’S BROADCAST (BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.) 1 RUGBY, June 19. The Minister for Information (Mr A. Duff Cooper), when broadcasting, said that in the great battle in which the French had been defeated, the Armies of France fought with great heroism and suffered terrible losses. Whatever the terms of the armistice which France had demanded, the French people would not allow themselves to be reduced permanently to a state of slavery. The blow to Britain was great. Her problem, henceforth, was a grave one, but it was also a more simple one. The front had been considerably reduced and bombardment and invasion of Britain would be the next phase of the war. “We feel confident the people of this island will be able to defend it against all the might and malice of Germany,” he said. “We should be fighting with our back to the wall, but it will be a very substantial wall, namely, the Atlantic Ocean. On the other side of that ocean Canada is throwing herself heart and soul into the task of producing armaments and training men.” There was also the United States, the greatest source of supply In the world. “The Government and people of that country are our friends,” said Mr Duff Cooper. “We have it from their own President that they are redoubling their efforts to provide us with all the means. we desire for the prosecution of the war. “South of the United States lie a series of American republics closely bound to the United States and, in policy, well disposed towards Britain. They are productive and fruitful countries. We have, therefore, behind us an inexhaustible source of supply which has been generously placed at our disposal, “We have only to beat off the invader for a few months and our supplies will beain to increase as rapidly as his will diminish. “We know that he has risked all this great effort to obtain a swift victory. We know that he cannot face a long war. We can face it, and we will face it in confidence.” The fact that all were now within the fortress, said Mr Duff Cooper, was a further advantage. Pointing out that this was not the first time that Britain had been threatened bv invasion from a powerful foe, the Minister recalled the destruction of the -great S Danish’ Armada by a relatively tinv English Fleet. He proceeded to declaim, with much dramatic effect, the famous lines of Macaulay in which this victory is celebrated. “To-day,” he concluded, “as in the past, we should wipe out the vile invader.” SOUTH AFRICAN POLICY GENERAL HERTZOQ’S CRITICISM CAPE TOWN, June 19. The former Prime Minister (General Hei;tzog) has published a letter sent to the present leader of the country (General Smuts), characterising the war preparations as reckless and senseless. South Africa’s declaration against Italy, he states, followed the fall of Paris and the Union continued playing at soldiers as if France and Britain were in possession of Berlin. General Smuts retaliated in a broadcast, saying South Africa recognised her cause to be linked with humanity. “South Africa,” he said, "will wage war to the very end, not only for herself but for the great group to which she belongs, and for the universal rights of man.” SPECIAL POWERS IN AUSTRALIA SUPPORT FROM. LABOUR PARTY (Received June 20, 11.20 p.m.) CANBERRA, June 20. The Prime Minister (Mr Menzies) to-day introduced in the House of Representatives a bill seeking extraordinary powers to mobilise persons, their services, and their property for the defence of the Commonwealth and the efficient prqsecution of the war. The Official Labour Party announced its preparedness to support the bill, but the Beasley group of seven Labour members declared that it will oppose it. Herr Himmler in Paris.—Herr Himmler. head of the ‘Gestapo, is reported to have arrived in Paris to. assume the supervision of the police. Jews and political refugees are panic-stricken. Many came from Poland. Some are hiding in the woods around Paris or in southern cities. —London, June 19.