TONIC EFFECT OF SPEECH

Dominion, Volume 33, Issue 281, 22 August 1940, Page 9

TONIC EFFECT OF SPEECH

World Democracies’ Reaction

CONFIDENT TONE Impressive Array Of Facts LONDON, August 21. Mr. Churchill’s speech in the House of Commons yesterday has had a tonic effect throughout the world and has sent British stocks soaring in the United States and Canada.

The “New York limes’ says it is not the foolish optimism of an ignorant man. “When confidence comes from such a man at such a moment, it becomes impressive and thrilling, and more impressive because of the array of solid facts witli which he supported his sure belief that Britain will succeed.”

The “New York Herald-Tribune” describes it as Hie speech of the greatest voice in the western world and one which • reflects that Britain is facing facts witli the same supreme spirit that her airmen have shown.

The Sydney "Sun” says: "Mr. Churchill does not minimize the power of the Nazi threat, but Britain has shown powers of resistance undreamt of in Berlin.”

The Moscow radio dealt mainly with those portions of the speech on Britain’s air strength and British relations with the United States.

In Germany there is the usual stream of abuse, which is of a very virulent nature, but the people have not been told any details of Mr. Churchill’s speech. Comment In Britain.

British newspaper comment is in places critical, but generally gives warm approval to the speech. The “Daily Herald” says: It is the brightest picture of the conflict and our strength which Mr, Churchill has ever painted.

“The Tinies” says the speech reflects the rising spirit of all followers of freedom and liberty in this country and elsewhere.

The “Daily Mail" says: “Our own and other nations, including our enemies, will recognize in Mr. Churchill’s speech a transition from days of anxiety to days of confidence. It rings with authentic promise of assault and victory.” British newspapers applaud the decision to continue the blockade. This is also endorsed by the Czechoslovak Foreign Minister, Dr. Masaryk, who urges its continuance in spite of the fact that his own people will suffer. Such suffering, however, would have to be borne to help the nation that was lighting for true civilization. The criticism of Mr. Churchill’s speech is at. the absence of any mention of war aims. Both the "Manchester Guardian” and “The Times” take up this point, the former saying Mr. Churchill might have indicated the sort of Europe he aimed to construct after the war, and the latter commenting that a clear definition of war aims is an instrument to success. LONDON, August 21.

Marshal Retain admitted in an interview with American journalists that the Vichy Government was under the domination of the Nazis.

“1 do not pretend that this Government is free,” ho said. “The Germans hold tlte rope and twist it when they consider their orders are not being carried out.”

It is stated that the Vichy Government has ordered the retirement of all the highest army officers who took part iu the actions against the Germans. This is in conformity with the Armistice terms. NO TERRORISM BY BRITAIN Progress Of Air War (Received August 21, 7 p.m.) LONDON, August 20. The Secretary of Air, Sir Archibald Sinclair, in the House of Commons debate said, “The number of our fighter squadrons in the front line ready for operations against the enemy is higher now than it has ever, been in spite of the past week’s intensive fighting. “We are not neglecting the offensive spirit. We are strengthening our bomber forces, and the weight of our offensive will be felt ever more heavily in Italy and Germany. “Our efficient system of defence, comprising fighters, guns, balloons, searchlights and observer corps, explains why the much larger German heavy bomber force is unable to inflict damage here comparable with the damage we are inflicting on Italy and Germany.”

After mentioning the participation by New Zealand, Australia, Canada and South Africa in the air warfare, Sir Archibald Sinclair paid a tribute to the work of the contingents of the European allies, and lie remarked that a Belgian pilot the other day destroyed four German planes and probably a fifth, and a Polish airman iu a battle over this country shot down three German planes and then went, after three other planes which were attacking his squadron leader, thus saving the latter’s life.

“We also have splendid young men w’ho come from tiie United States to join our squadrons,” he continued. “We welcome this brotherhood of arms.

“We shall never use our air power as an instrument of mass terrorism. Our blows will continue to be directed against the enemy’s aerodromes, aircraft factories, and other centres of military supply, but wherever the instruments of cruelty and oppression are forged the strong arm of the R.A.F. will reach out—is reaching out tins very night—whereby we shall break the fetters with which Hitler seeks to bind the peoples of Europe. POLISH AIR FORCE Squadrons Inspected By The King (British Otliuiul Wireless.) RUGBY, August 2U. Tiie, King carried out his first inspection of Allied forces training in England when he visited on Tuesday two squadrons of the Polish Air Force. His Majesty was received by General Sikorski, and for more than two hours watched Polish airmen undergoing training.

The King was interested to hear that Bolish airmen serving with British lighter squadrons have already shot down 23 Nazi aircraft in recent raids on Britain.