FUTURE ROLE OF BRITAIN

Press, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 26886, 12 November 1952, Page 9

FUTURE ROLE OF BRITAIN

Mr Churchill: “We Are Recovering”

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.)

(Rec. 8.30 p.m.) LONDON, November 11. Mr Churchill tonight painted an optimistic picture of British and world affairs, and for the second time in three weeks said that the danger of a third world war seemed to have receded.

“We are encouraged by the fact that both at home and abroad there is a feeling that our position has definitely improved, that we are recovering our strength, that the danger of a third world war and the threat to our national solvency has been freed from immediate peril.”

But he warned: “We arc still only at the beginning of our task, and it may well be that disappointments and setbacks will afflict us.

“They will not, however, conquer us.”

Mr Churchill was speaking at the traditional Lord Mayor’s banquet at the Guildhall. Mr Churchill said he did not wonder that Mr Eisenhower wished to visit Korea and view the scene with his own experienced and discerning eye.

“There is no doubt that the absorption of so large a proportion of American and United Nations resources in the Far East is to the advantage of Moscow and of the Communist movement as a whole,” he said. 'lt was a convenient way of dispersing the strength of the free world, and preventing or delaying rhe building up of a secure defence against the subjugation of Western Europe. For that reason, he had always been ahxious to bring the Korean conflict to an end as speedily as possible. At the same time, the peace should not be dishonourable, sending thousands of helpless prisoners of war back by force to be massacred by the Chinese Government.

“All history shows that such bargains. though they may afford momentary relief, have to be naid for on a far larger scale later on.”

Policy in Egypt Turning to Egypt, Mr Churchill sain he felt much sympathy with the new hone, aroused by General Naguib, that the shocking condition of the Egyptian peasantry under the corrupt rule of former Egyptian governments would be definitely improved. “We are anxious to help the new Government and to negotiate with them on friendly terms. We understand their point of vi*»w. and hope they will understand ours

“We are not in Egypt for imperialist motives, or seeking mastery or advantage. but in the common interests of all nations, and to discharge what hag become ah international rather than a nafional responsibility. We have no intentions of being turned from our duty.’’

Mr Churchill said all hop© of bringing the world out of its present oppressive and ruinous plight lested on the preservation of friendship, alliance and growing unity between Britain, her Commonwealth, and the United States. Referring to the North Atlantic Treaty Organisation. Mr Churchill said: “We were very glad to welcome during the year the membership of Greece and Turkey. Both those ancient virile races have repudiated the Communist conception of society. I am very glad to tom ember the help I was instrumental to winning for the Greeks during the great crisis of their fate in the winter of 1944.’’

Recovery of Germany Six years had passed since he said at Zurich that France should take Germany by the hand and lead her back into the family of nations. There could be no effective defence of European culture and freedom unless a new Germany played a strong and more effective part in the common system of security.

‘ Any man in Germany, France nr Britain who tries to hamper or delay that healing process is guilty of undermining the foundations upon which the salvation of all mankind from war and tyranny in this period depend. Every addition to the strength o* N.A.T.O. increases the deterrents against aggression on which our hopes and convictions stand

“It is for this that Mr Eden strives, as did Mr Ernest Bevin before him. It is for this that Mr Eisenhower, under Mr Truman’s Administration, undertook his solemn task in Europe, to which General Ridgway, dur new and trusted commander, has bow succeeded. It is to this that Mr Schuman and Dr. Adenauer have devoted their remarkable wisdom and their courage.’’ Mr Churchill concluded: “Time alone can prove whether final success will reward these earnest faithful efforts.

“Terrible would be the accountability of those in any country who for petty, narrow or selfish ends weaken the common cause by stirring bygone passions, hates and tragedies. In this high companionship we shaP march forward, undaunted by danger, and unwearied by toil.’’