GREAT TRIBUTE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20827, 4 July 1942, Page 3

GREAT TRIBUTE

N.Z. SOLDIERS CHEERS IN COMMONS MR. CHURCHILL'S TRIUMPH (By Telegraph—Press Assn.— Copyright.) (Special Correspondent.) (10 a.m.) LONDON. July 3. The generous praise of the New Zealanders in Egypt by the Prime Minister, Mr. Winston Churchill, raised the loudest cheers of the debate in the House of Commons. They were even louder than those greeting the defeat or the motion of censure. It would warm the heart of the whole of New Zealand could they hear a record of that volume of deep-throated “Hearhearing” which immediately broke out when Mr. Churchill referred to “one reinforcement which the Germans know all about—the New Zealanders. ’ The cheers had scarcely died down when they again broke out as Mr. Churchill continued his comments. It was a really remarkable ovation on which many comments were made after the debate, showing the very high regard in which New Zealand is held by the House of Commons. Mr. Churchill added: “The Government of New Zealand, themselves under the potential menace of invasion C (here cheers drowned his re-, marks). The fullest use is being made of their troops, whom they have not withdrawn or weakened in any way. (Renewed cheering). They sent them into battie, where they were under the command of the heroic General Freyberg—who has again been wounded—and they have acquitted themselves in a manner equal to all their former records. They are fighting hard now at this moment.” An Undeniable Leader Mr. Churchill again proved himself an undeniable leader of the House of Commons. His speech answered a majority of the responsible statements of the critics. He satisfied' the House that the Libyan army was well equipped in men and material, and that until it lost 230 tanks in one day the battle was even, but thereafter General Rommel had the advantage. Mr. Churchill emphasised that lie could not explain the military reverse but could only give half the facts. He also left no doubt that he had not interfered with the decisions of the generals nor the technicians responsible for the designing of arms. Mr. Churchill began his speech in an air of tense excitement, speaking after Mr. L. Hore-Belisha, whose attack was delivered while the House of Commons was steadily filling up. A clash of words between Mr. Churchill and Mr. Hore-Belisha can usually be expected, which probably added something to the undercurrent of expectancy. When Mr. Churchill rose to the accompaniment of cheers, the Chamber had taken on the traditional appearance usual in every big debate, all the benches being packed, while members squatted down on the floor with crossed legs on the vacant space at the end of the Chamber facing the Speaker. Every seat in the gallery was occupied, the onlookers including Mr. J. G. Winant, M. Maisky. Dr. Wellington Koo, Mrs. Churchill and Miss Mary Churchill. “Slashed His Critics” Mr. Churchill was grave during* the first half-hour when referring to the effect of criticism in America and also to the fall of Tobruk, but later lie drew laughter when he slashed his critics. He forgot his notes when confirming the Government’s heavy bomber policy and its effect on Germany, speaking with the warmtli of conviction, while, when asking himself whether he would accept an offer of 1000 heavy bombers or dive-bombers, he paused, gazed steadily at the Opposition benches, and then said: “Well. I should take advice,” at which members laughed and cheered. This was repeated when Mr. Churchill asked his critics whether he should paint a very gloomy picture of Egypt. Mr. Churchill added emphatically: “I might be wrong.” A noteworthy passage was the tribute to the American victory over the Japanese aircraft-carriers. “These splendid American achievements have not received the attention they deserve in this island,” he said. This drew applause. Encouragement was drawn from the statement that the victories had resulted in the relief of the position of India, Australia and New Zealand, allowing reinforcements to be sent to Egypt from England and America. Criticism Will Do Good *

' Mr. Churchill was undoubtedly surprised and disturbed at the manner in which the American press plays up criticism voiced in the House of Commons. It apparently convinced him that people outside Britain have little true appreciation of the traditional habit of the House of Commons to criticise as freely and i s often as it likes. However it n.sy be regarded abroad, here in Britain it is recognised as being a legitimate and constitutional right which, if not exercised, would indicate that something was radically wrong with the nation. Thus the debate bad the effect of a safety 'valve, cooling off the initial danger ' over the fall of Tobruk, while bringing forth a reasoned explantion. Judging by Mr. Churchill’s speech to-day, i.t would not be right to dogmatise that he is testy of criticism. He gives thrust for cut. He is ever ready to listen to constructive criticism, but he resists strongly “diatribes.” It is something of a paradox that a group of members after witnessing a series of weak Prime Ministers should apparently be resentful of one whom .they consider too powerful and who takes on too much. Mr. Churchill certainly is the best answer Britain has produced to the dictators. If any less vigorous man had filled the position there would soon be an outcry .that he was nbt strong enough for the job, while if a war Prime Minister could be found who was above criticism he would immediaetly be a world curio. “Sense of Urgency” Criticism in the House of Commons and the press will undoubtedly continue and will undoubtedly achieve good. Meanwhile, Mr, Churchill and his Government are still the most competent men to be found in the House of Commons. The Times, in a leader, says that the House of Commons vote and speeches have to be interpreted together. They mean that Parliament has not wavered in its resolve to support the present leaders through all the vicissitudes that have beset the long road to victory, but that it desires to see them make many improvements in the conduct of the war. This week’s debate cannot win or lose the present battle, but it can, and it is hoped it will, communicate a new sense of urgency to the Government and to the factories and bring nearer the day when complaint will come from. the German side that their armament is insufficient and their technical design outclassed. When Mr. Churchill can report in this way he will receive acclamation worth many votes of confidence.