PROFIT AND LOSS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20242, 9 May 1940, Page 7

PROFIT AND LOSS

COSTS: IN NORWAY SLIGHT TO ALLIES GREATER FOR GERMANS QUESTION OF PRESTIGE (Reed. May 8, 2.15 p.m.) LONDON, May 7. “Everyone will agree that the troops carried out their task with magnificent gallantry.” said the Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, during' his speech in the House of Cotiirhons to-day. . "Man for man our forces showed themselves superior to the foe.” When the Prime Minister stated mat the hews of the withdrawal from soiithern Norway had created a profound shock there were shouts from the Opposition, “And still is.’ Mr. Chamberlain added: “We tried to damp down unfounded reports because we were anxious to avoid informing the enemy of the true situation. 1 was afraid that in these circumstances shock and disappointment were inevitable. “I have no wish to extenuate .anything, but we shall not exaggerate the'extent or importance of the check wo had received. ‘‘The withdrawal is not comparable with Gallipoli. Large forces are not involved, actually not much more than a single division. “The losses were really not great, nor was any considerable or valuable arriount of stores left behind. The Germans suffered far heavier losses in warships, planes, transports and men. False German Legend “I am aware that the result cannot be measured merely by lossess on the spot. We have to ta,ke account of the loss of prestige. Colour has been given to the false of German land invincibility and discouragement caused to our f: Sends. We must accept that position tor the - moment, but we have no need to /help the enemy by worsening it (cheers). “The reaction is more serious in Sweden lhari elsewhere. I Tegret certain polemical comments in the Swedish press because they will not help Sweden or the Allies. _We are nor concerned with recriminations, but with measures that can oe taken in the future. . “If Sweden decides on a policy Of neutrality, I trust it will be strictly iiripaxtial.” Replying to Mr. D. Lioyd George. (Ind. Lib., Carnarvon), Mr. ChamberMain said that he was relying on Mr. Churchill to let him know if lie found L-that the new task imposed upon him made it difficult to fulfil his work at the Admiralty and in such a case he would take steps to relieve him. Mr. Churchill' would be provided with a small staff under a senior staff officer, Major-General Ismay, who had been appointed as an additional member of the Chiefs of Stan committee.