BRITAIN'S RESISTANCE

Evening Post, Volume CXXX, Issue 4, 4 July 1940, Page 11

BRITAIN'S RESISTANCE

OFFICIAL HOPES

INTERCEPTION OF

ARMADA

(Received July 4, 11.30 a.m.)

LONDON, July 3

Replying to a debate in the House of Lords, the Under-Secretary at the War Office, Lord Croft, said it must be expected that the enemy would attempt to invade Britain by sea or air, or both simultaneously, at many points. The enemy would be utterly regardless of his losses. Pointing out that he was unable to disclose tactical methods of resistance to invasion, Lord Croft said that nevertheless, from evidence he had received at first hand, he was absolutely convinced "that British men can and will dominate and master the enemy machine. "Broadly speaking," he said, "we hope that the Navy may intercept the enemy invading armada and cause great destruction of his ships and transports. Our air force will also engage him before he reaches our shores, inflicting great loss. We also hope to get information of his movements. We believe that no German will pass any defence work except over the dead bodies of the garrisons. It is the one ambition, we believe, of all ranks to prevent the soil of Britain being fouled by enemy footprints."

Referring to the local defence volunteers organisation, Lord Croft stated that of the total of half a million volunteers announced a fortnight ago every man would soon be equipped with some effective form of weapon.