NO VICTORY WITHOUT TEARS

Evening Star, Issue 23492, 5 February 1940, Page 3

NO VICTORY WITHOUT TEARS

Allies Fighting For Their Lives WAR MINISTER’S STERN WARNING Everything Must Be Thrown Into Scales (British Official Wireless.) Press Association—By Telegraph—Coypright RUGBY, February 3. Recalling that exactly five months had elapsed since the outbreak of war, the Secretary for War, Mr Oliver Stanley, in a speech at Newcastle, contrasted the difference of public behaviour then and at the outbreak of the Great War. lhat generation, said Mr Stanley, which had never known a European war. entered the 1914 struggle determined but yet able to clothe war with the romanticism of a bygone age, while the present generation, ignorant of neither the dangers nor the sacrifices, entered the present conflict even more united and determined. Discussing the reasons for that outstanding unity of purpose, Mr Stanley recalled that throughout centuries, Europe had not consisted of a few great Powers, but was made up of nations of various strength and size, with small Powers, developing 1 their own national culture, the natural prey of their stronger neighbours. The ( Nazis, however, had introduced the high-sounding of lebensraum, which merely meant “ anything your neighbour has is yours if you are strong enough to take it. This was shown in instance after instance, culminating in the march on Prague. It had often been said and was reiterated by General Hertzog in a recent speech that all the trouble comes from the Versailles Treaty. While not denying its imperfections and mistakes, the War Secretary said that on The whole the treaty was inspired by a single idea—the release of people of other nationalities from German rule, allowing them to make their own countries and live their own lives. When, in the past few months, we have seen what German rule means, can anybody say we were wrong and tho idea was ignoble ? According to General Hertzog all Hitler had done in past years was to put right grievances, although in doing so he may have been a little inconsiderate, hasty, or brusque, but always with good intentions. How true this is that distance lends enchantment to the view.” FIGHTING FOR LASTING PEACE. Let us call as witness not people 2,000 miles away, but people a little nearer the scene, said Mr Stanley, 'and he asked whether Czechs, Poles, and Austrians, with over-run countries, shot students, silent workers, life without laughter or liberty, were likely to think Hitler’s intentions good or his actions only a little inconsiderate? And .did small neutral countries fearing an attack at any moment feel the same , confidence in Nazi leader as that expressed by General Hertzog? " Against the philosophy of brute force the Allies were fighting not only for their lives but for lasting peace. For ourselves we want nothing of Germany or of the Germans. We do not desire their destructibn, we do not grudge their prosperity, we do not want to make of them the helots that they made of millions, or make their land the desert that they made of a quarter of Europe. We want them to be peaceful and happy members of a peaceful, happy Europe. But never again, under this or any leader under this.or any regime, must they have power to inflict upon the world the misery and suffering which twice in our life they have done. Mr Stanley expressed the opinion that a negotiated peace now would settle nothing and meant only a troubled truce. "We are fighting brave, ruthless, and determined people.” he said. He had no patience with those who thought that somehow something should happen. “ Make no mistake, there will be no victory without tears. Victory will come only as the result of endurance, courage, and sacrifice. Everything we have must be thrown into the scales. Let us steel our hearts and march the hard road to the journey’s end —victory, then peace.” As was the case last week when Mr Churchill spoke Mr Stanley was interrupted by blackshirt demonstrations which the audience quickly suppressed/ Mr Stanley said: “Those gentlemen must be. inspired by German propaganda. The Germans not only censured me, but have taken drastic action against me. They are going to change the name of the' German Derby on the ground that no German racehorse should be associated with my family name. I suppose that is what they call ‘ race purity.’” RECOVERY IN EXPORT TRADE. Turning to the question of trade, which Mr Stanley said had been his chief concern until a few days ago, he pointed out that exports were a vital element in the war effort, in which worker, manufacturer, merchant, and the public must take part. Although at the beginning of the war the export trade had suffered a sharp decline recovery had been rapid, and the December figures actually exceeded the pre-monthly average. The War Secretary, dealt with initial difficulties in raising and equipping a large army in a limited time, but said that much had already been accomplished. The Expeditionary Force had been built into a formidable army, some units of which had already had an opportunity of showing the customary skill and dash of the British soldier in contact with an enemy. Not only was British man power available, but there was already a magnificent Canadian division in England, while Australia and New Zealand announced their intention of sending contingents. Six interjectors were removed during Mr Stanley’s speech. Leaflets headed, “ The War is in Vain,” published by the Newcastle branch of the Independent Labour Party were twice showered from the balcony. When the men were thrown out Mr Stanley remarked that they would go free, but if they had been in Germany they would have been sent to concentration camps.

WELL-EARNED LEAVE AJAX MEN DFF DUTY LONDON, February 3. Two hundred men from H.M.S. Ajax, on leave, arrived at Paddington from Plymouth early this morning and dispersed to other stations. _ . The New Zealand High Commissioner (Mr W. J. Jordan) sent a message to the commander of the Ajax welcoming him home, and adding that New Zealanders in Britain were, proud that the men of the Achilles had been associated with the action. The commander replied: “ I know how proud Rear-Ad-miral Sir Harold Harwood was to have the Achilles with him.”

LOHDOH'S SOCIAL LIFE PUBLIC STILL SEEKS ENTERTAINMENT LONDON. February 3. An interesting commentary on the social life of London in war time is afforded by the fact that the number of cinemas, theatres, and dance halls licensed by the London County Council this year is practically the same as last. The total number of premises now licensed for music, dancing, and cinema exhibitions, stage plays, boxing, and wrestling is 796, compared with 827 on January 1, 1939. The number of licenses issued showed a slight decrease from 1,235 to 1,178.