UNIVERSAL GOOSESTEP.

Evening Star, Issue 23973, 26 August 1941, Page 6

UNIVERSAL GOOSESTEP.

Ix vivid, picturesque, and simple language Mr Churchill has stated the problems facing the world at this moment. The fundamental issue is freedom or slavery, democracy or Nazism. Are the historic rights of ordinary men and women and of nations to bo exchanged for the universal goosestep, with German concentration camps and firing squads always handy in the background? In these words, uttered by the Prime Minister, there is no exaggeration or undue emphasis. As the events of the past two years amply prove, they express the literal truth. Mr Churchill always is given to understatement rather than to over-state-ment. The happiest circumstance, it may well be believed, in his life was not when ho succeeded to the Prime Ministership, but his meeting face to face with the President of the great democracy across the Atlantic. It was a risk, but it was well worth while, for it is clear that there was complete harmony between the two statesmen in the methods to be employed to defeat the arch-enemy of mankind. The meeting symbolised the “ marshalling of the good forces of the world against the evil forces.” There is no doubt in Mr Churchill’s mind as to what the outcome of the great conflict will be. An undercurrent of optimism can be detected in his broadcast. It will give encouragement to the people of the Empire, and will instil hope in the tortured countries now under the tyrannous heel of the Nazis. For obvious reasons Mr Churchill did not dwell much on this aspect of the position, so far ns the military prospects arc con-

cerned, for he realises the many and great dangers that exist. Britain’s Homo Secretary has no illusions on this point, and ho has issued a timely warning to the people of the Motherland against day dreams.” Mr Morrison emphasises that the Allies are facing the most deadly military power in history, and that the process of defeating it has hardly 'begun. Only a few days ago ■President Boosovclt expressed the opinion that the war would continue till PJ-Kl. It must be remembered that tho Nazis are in a desperate position. Their defeat means the extinction of their regime, and they are lighting with the fury of a powerful cornered animal to avoid such a development. Mr Churchill realises, contrary to tho belief that was prevalent during the last groat struggle, that this war will not of itself end war. This time Britain and the United States intend to take ample precautions to prevent its renewal in any “ period we can foresee by effectively disarming the guilty nations while remaining suitably protected ourselves.” What the Prime Minister and President have in mind when the “ tumult and the shouting dies ” is the creation of a better world, as envisaged in the eight-point declaration. with friendship and co-operation in the political and economic field, and an assurance that all men in all lands may live out their lives in freedom from fear of war. The British Empire and the United States have joined hands as the custodians of the world’s liberties. As Lord Halifax said recently, it was certain from the outset, and history is proving it, that in any ultimate tost of strength between democracy and dictatorship the moral support, the material resources, and the physical power of the United States would be found on tho side of those nations which are defending their own way of life. Mr Churchill’s warning to Japan will bo appreciated. Her “ grasping hand ” must be withdrawn, and her statesmen bo satisfied with the declaration that efforts will bo made that will give her tho utmost reassurance for her legitimate interests. Japan made a major mistake in. lining up with tho Axis. Germany and Italy can give her nothing. For her to go to war now, as has been said, would bo ” suicide.” What is required of her is to abandon her threatening and truculent attitude, and in her own interests she would bo wise to pay duo regard to Mr Churchill’s definite statement.