FAILURE OF THE BLITZKRIEG

Press, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23080, 24 July 1940, Page 9

FAILURE OF THE BLITZKRIEG

British Minister’s

Prediction

HELP NEEDED

FROM U.S.

(UNITED PRESS ASSOCIATION—COPYRIGHT.)

(Received July 23, 10 p.m.)

WASHINGTON, July 22. The British Ambassador (the Marquess of Lothian), in an interview with American newspaper columnists, which was broadcast, predicted that Britain would beat off the anticipated German blitzkrieg.

He expressed the opinion that Britain would make some arrangement with the United States regarding her in the event of a danger of their falling into enemy hands. Britain’s most urgent need, he said, was destroyers and motor-boats, hundreds of which might make the difference between success and failure, but her ultimate need would be aeroplanes.

“If Britain holds out for two years to permit the United States to rearm,” Lord Lothian said, “there will be a prospect of saving the world’s freedom, but if we are defeated this autumn, your prospects are bad. Herr Hitler would then possess double or treble your industry.

“We have become your Maginot Line, but the Royal Navy could not fight for the United States. On the contrary, it would be neutralised if it entered a United Stales port. “Britain is not afraid of Herr Hitler. We know that if we hold out till October. as we confidently expect, the tide will then be turned, because we shall get increasing numbers of war aeroplanes from America in the springtime.”

Lord Lothian Issued a warning that it was easier to defend the United States by controlling Gibraltar, Cape Town, and the English Channel, the possession of which would permit an enemy to attack anywhere.