WAR’S REALITY

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 148, 18 March 1940, Page 10

WAR’S REALITY

Deceptive Appearance Of Quietness GIGANTIC CONFLICT CLOAKED (British Official Wireless.) (Received March 17, /.5 p.m.) RUGBY, March 16. The Liberal Party leader, Sir Archibald Sinclair, in a broadcast stated that there was a very long, rough and painful journey to victory, and he appealed for voluntary sacrifices from the British peoples over and above the restrictions and taxation imposed by Parliament. “Behind the , deceptive appearance of quietness,” he said, lies the reality of a gigantic conflict.” Speaking of events in Finland, Sir Archibald Sinclair said the Russians had dropped the pretence that they ■were ligiiting to liberate the Finns and ignored the existence of the “ridiculous Communist group,” whom 31. Stalin had hitherto described as the legitimate Government of Finland. But Stalin’s increased imperialistic demands had been backed by Germany with threats of joining in the invasion of Finland if they wore rejected. Describing the Swedish and Norwegian surrender to the German threats as "a triumph of evil force over moral weakness,” Sir Archibald Sinclair said the only way to preserve freedom and the rule of law in the world was for the nations who believed in these things to stand together in their defence and tight hard. The war. lie added, could not be won by sitting down passively. The result of Munich, Sir Archibald continued, proved that Hitler would not keep any agreement one day longer than it. suited him. “If we now sue for peace he would dispense to France and Britain the same justice lie is giving the Czechs and Poles. If a man witli Hitler’s record Ims any interest in justice it can only be to escape it.” Concluding, Sir Archibald Sinclair said: “Defeat would mean our ruin and the loss of our freedom. Victory will give us opportunity—opportunity to heal the sears aud ravages of war, opportunity to break down the barriers .to commerce which impoverished nations before the war, t opportunity to create a new world order on the basis of justice and freedom and opportunity to establish a lasting peace.-that prize which only constructive statesmanship can win.” SOVIET’S POLICY. Much Sympathy Lost (British Official Wireless.l RUGBY, Marell 15. Mr. Herbert Morrison, the Labour M.l’., in a speech in London, said: — “While the Soviet enjoys the congratulations of Nazi Germany, it lias lost the sympathy of progressiveminded men and women throughout the world. The Soviet Government will be wise io reconsider the drift of its policy.” Mr. Morrison said that Sweden and Norway carried a share of the responsibility for the peace which had been forced on Finland, for “they would not sufficiently dare in the cause of their neighbour's freedom.” Their own security had been thereby weakened and their moral prestige lowered. "The sooner that neutral States learn that their own future as well as ours is bound up with the result of this war the better,” he added. CANADIAN ELECTION Party Lists For Troops In England (Received March 17, 7.5 p.m.) NEW YORK. March 15. The United Press of America’s Ottawa correspondent says the Conservatives and Liberals are circulating party lists to troops training in England. Some troops protested that they would not vote unless informed on these matters. The electoral regulations forbid party designations in the ballots. BRITAIN CRITICIZED Suspension Of U.S. Canned Fruit Imports WASHINGTON, March 15. Members of Congress have criticized the suspension by Britain of imports of United States canned fruits. Senator Nye, a well-known isolationist, characterized the action as an attempt to punish the United States for “not more actively supporting Hie Allies.” Others asserted that the action was a repudiation of the theory of a reciprocal trade pact. The criticisms followed a statement by the British Ambassador, Lord Lothian, that the restrictions were solely war measures and were not intended to cause a permanent diversion of trade. They were necessary to prevent an accumulation of excess stocks and to restrict the consumption of non-essential commodities. The Secretary of State. Mr. Cordell Hull, at a Press conference, said that discussions were continuing with Britain and France to safeguard the commereial interests of Hie United States. Mr. Hull explained that exports from the United States to Britain bad greatly increased and those to France had more than doubled, despite the restrictions. Mr. Hull added that munitions were only a minor portion of tlie exports.