‘GREAT STRIDES’

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20649, 27 December 1941, Page 5

‘GREAT STRIDES’

ALLIED DEFENCES FAITH IN CAUSE CHURCHILL CONFIDENT "ALL WILL BF. WELL" (Elec. Tt l. Copyright—United Press Assn.) (Reed. Dec. 27, 11.30 a.m.) WASHINGTON, Dec. 26, When he delivered his speech to Congress at Washington to-day, the British Prime Minister, Mr. Winston Churchill, referred to his maternal connection with the United States, and said "that had his mother been British and his father American that might not have been the first time Congress had heard his voice, but in that eventuality the desire to hear it might not have been unanimous, Mr. Churchill added that he had been brought up to believe in democracy, and all his life he was in full harmony with the doctrine of government of the people, for the people, by the people. He owed his advancement wholly to the House of Commons, whose servant, ne was, and if on any day the House thought the people desired it he could be removed from his office, but he was not worrying about that.

He said he was much encouraged by the breadth of view he had noted during his visit to the United States. Anyone not knowing the Americans might expect a stifled atmosphere after being set on to by three dictator Powers, but in Washington during those memorable days of his visit he had been fortified to find a spirit which, while being far from complacent, was proof of a sincere belief in the final outcome.

Ruthless Opponents

“We in Britain have the same view,” he added. “We, too, are sure that In the end all will be , well.”

The severity of* the ordeal, however, could not be under-rated. The forces ranged against us were ruthless, and the wicked men who launched their people on the terrible attempt at conquest knew how they would be treated if they failed and how they would suffer if they did not conquer. Our resources in manpower and in machines was far greater tl:an theirs, but the United States forces were only partially mobilised and not yet trained in the art of war.

It was inevitable that some ground would be lost that would have to be regained, and some unpleasant surprises would await, us until the final marshalling of our powers could be effected. For 20 years ■ the youth of our countries had been taught that war was an evil thing, but the youth of Germany had been taught to train ’or war. This placed us at a disadvantage which only courage and intiring purpose would overcome. However, much valuable .time had men gained. If Germany had invaded lie United Kingdom 'immediately ifter the collapse of France in June, ’940, and Japan had declared war at about the same time, no one could nave said what would have been the lot of the British Empire. We had made great progress since then, and "reat strides had been made in converting the United States industry to military purpose which a year or 18 nonths hence would be brought to a tate of production never before seen.

Offensive in 1943,

With the whole man-power and effort of the English-speaking world, -rovided that it bent unremittingly to ’he supreme task, it would be reasonble to hope that the, end of 1942

vould see us in a much better position than we were in now and that 1943 would enable us to assume the ’nitiative on an ample scale. “Some people may be disturbed or momentarily depressed when I speak >£ a long and hard war,” Mr. Churchill went on, “but after all when we are doing such a noble work for the world

mid defending our own homes, the question is not whether deliverance ■.- II come in 1942, 1943 or 1944, but that it falls into place in human

bistory. We are masters of our fate, and so long as we have faith in our muse and unconquerable will-power, •’lvation will not be denied us.” The lifeline of the Empire was

b-iw'ng steadily to all parts of the -’d and was growing stronger -very month. The entry of the United Mates into the war iiad caused the

-mole of Europe to lift up their egds. and scores of millions of men nd women were aflame with anger "einst the Invader. In those proud States the people awaited the hour of deliverance and the hour when they would be able to strike. Preventing Domination Conti.nu'ng. Mr. Churchill said that had we taken proper measures for our safety, this war might never have fallen on us. We must make certain that such a catastrophe did not overtake us a third time. With a full realisation of our duty and prudence, r.n adequate organisation might be set up to make sure that any further attempt at world domination was nipped in the bud before it engulfed the entire world. Four or five years ago it would have been simple to stop Germany if we had been prepared for it. Some joint purpose was being worked out here below, and we had the privilege of being chosen as the faithful servants. Now and in the days to come the great British and American peoples would walk together in friendship -and in justice.

* The speech, which was punctuated with frequent applause, closed with a prolonged burst of acclamation and cheering. *