NOT A DISASTER

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20242, 9 May 1940, Page 6

NOT A DISASTER

ACTION IN NORWAY OPINION OF BIRDWOOD DEBATE BY LORDS CRITICS OF CABINET (Eire. Till. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. May 9, 1.30 p.m.) LONDON, May 8. Speaking in the House of Lords today, Lord Strabolgi said that the Government's conduct of the Norwegian operations was a symptom of disease which must be treated quickly or it would become chronic. Holding Narvik and abandoning the rest of Norway was like holding John o' Groats and the Orkneys and abandoning the rest of the kingdom, including ail the wealth, industries and resources. He added that the Grand Fleet could have gone to Oslo Fiord and driven away the. lighter German forces in two days between the capture of Oslo and the arrival of- the German reinforcements. Field-Marshal Lord Birdwood said he hoped our men would daily and nightly raid the German communications in Norway, because nothing would upset troops more. Norway was not a disaster and he believed it would resultin' a great success for us. Lord Snell said that despite the apologetic statements the Government was weaker to-day than yesterday. We have rehabilitated Herr Hitler in the minds of the German people. Herr Hitler “missed the bus,” but took a plane. It was quicker. The. Foreign Secretary, Viscount Halifax, said: “It is impossible for anyone to draw a distinction between the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, and other members of the war Cabinet who share the full responsibility. We have only one purpose—to win the war. “I am not under any delusion about Germany’s strength. . Our war effort will impose an immense strain on our staying power. We must marshal our efforts without the dissipation of vital energy. Nothing is more likely to lead to disaster than amateur strategists who shout for immediate action."