Greymouth Evening Star. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1943. MR. CHURCHILL'S REVIEW.

Greymouth Evening Star, 11 November 1943, Page 4

Greymouth Evening Star. THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 11, 1943. MR. CHURCHILL'S REVIEW.

JT has long been customary for the Prime Minister, or some high ranking Cabinet member, to be the chief guest at the annual banquet of the newly installed Lord Mayor of London, each November 9, at which the national leader is expected to make some pronouncement of importance. In pre-war days, the banquet and assembly was on somewhat magnificent lines, but during the war the ceremonial and the menu have been curtailed. The chief speech, however, has retained its appeal, and Mr. Churchill, on Tuesday, rose to the occasion. As an orator, he needs little material to be interesting, and to-day, lie is overwhelmed with matter from which to construct historical statements.

On this occasion. Mr. Churchill made no sensational revelation of policy,'or of successes achieved. A few weeks ago, Mr. Elmer Davis, Director of the U.S.A. Office of War Information, complained that Mr. Churchill too often ‘‘scooped” the American Press on big war news. “Mr. Churchill is an old and good reporter, and sometimes he cannot resist the temptation ro give himself a few exclusive stories.” added Mr. Davis. It would be difficult to muzzle the Prime Minister without his full agreement, but he has not since told the world much that was not generally known previously. In this week’s address he bad a cheerful review to make, yet his stress was on the necessity for .maintenance of effort if final victory were not to be delayed. This appeal was meant for a wider audience than the people of the'Homeland. Complacency in any part of the English-speaking world is a real, peril.

Mr. Churchill paid generous tribute to Russia, but, apparently, a meeting between the Big Three has not yet been arranged. Mr. Eden’s statement to the Commons on the Moscow conference will be awaited with interest, but it will not be surprising if the Foreign Secretary's review is discreet; more than informative, at this juncture. This example of reticence might be followed with advantage by some Anglo-U.S.A. military and other chiefs, when discussing the invasion of Western Europe, or what is going to be done to Japan. The “nerve-war” is being overdone, and so much threat without performance is misplaced. In general, terms, Mr. Churchill declared that 1944 will be the decisive year so far as Germany is concerned, and he did not hold out much hope of an early collapse of the main foe.

Post-war planning by Britain was kept prominent by Mr. Churchill. Doubtless, with a view 1o the next general elections which may be held next year, an attractive programme is being prepared. A land fit for heroes and heroines to live in is again the objective, and there is more chance of success of attainment now than in 1918 and the years that followed. Huge expenditure in this Avar has made Ihe British nation large-minded where reconstruction schemes are concerned, and with almost everybody engaged in the Avar, men and Avomen, all will be determined that no timidity or narroAV interests must hinder the rehabilitation of those avlto need financial and other help to enjoy their share of the dcay order.