ALLIED WAR AIMS

Greymouth Evening Star, 6 November 1939, Page 7

ALLIED WAR AIMS

TO END DICTATORSHIP.

[BRITISH OFFICIAL WIRELESS.]

(Reed?" November 6,1 p.m.) RUGBY, November 5.

In Parliament, Mr. Chamberlain and Lord Halifax have declined to undertake a closer definition of “war aims” than is already available .in their own speeches and statements— and have urged objections to an attempt to state the British aims in detail at present, while there is great uncertainty as to the length of the war ahd ’conditions in Europe afterwards, jin. view, however,. of the renewal of Nazi insinuations that one. British war aim is the partition of Germany, passages in Mr Chamberlain’s speech of October 12 are recalled. He said: “It is no part of our policy to exclude from her rightful place in Europe a Germany which will live in amity and confidence with other nations. On the contrary, we believe there is no effective remedy for the world’s peace that does not take account of the just claims and needs, of all countries,” also “We desire nothing from, the German people. Which should offend their self-respect,” and “ I am certain that all peoples in Europe, including the people of < Germany, long for peace—a foeace which will enable them to live their lives, without fear, and to devote their energies and gifts to the development of culture, the pursuit of’ideals, and the improvement of material prosperity.” In a speech to-day, Mr. Greenwood said: Britain declared war with the firm purpose of ending forever .the torture of other nations by dictatorship. Although the decision involved great sacrifices, a refusal would have meant the sacrifice of human freedom. The wastage of life and treasure is the price which has to be paid to rid the world of the scourge of inhuman dictatorship which is eating into the vitals of Christian civilisation. Britain could not ignore the challenge as to whether freedom or brute force should prevail. There is no doubt about the result. But, when the war is over, we shall see that there is freedom, not only for ourselves, but for the German people and all other peoples. It shall be a peace without rancour against other peoples, and without territorial or political ambitions, a peace worthy of the sacrifices that have been made.”

LAITY URGES DECLARATION

LONDON, November 5.

A meeting of laity of all Christian Churches passed a resolution calling on the Government to state its peace terms and declaring that the war should be ended as speedly as possible and compatible with honour. The resolution urged a statement of Britain’s contribution, after consultation with France, towards a new national order • ensuring international justice and security, such declaration to be sent to all Governments.

The meeting decided to send a mes•sageVtO,. German Christian leaders urging them to press for a conference in Germany. The resolution will be dispatched to members of the Cabinet, and heads of the Churches, Mr. Roosevelt, and King Leopold.