NOT TO BE HUSTLED

Grey River Argus, 21 March 1940, Page 7

NOT TO BE HUSTLED

CHAMBERLAIN’S REPLY To Critics of War Policy [British Official Wireless] RUGBY, March 19. The French, Turkish, Belgian, Argentine, United States. Chinese, ’Spanish and Russian Ambassadors were present in the crowded House, when the Prime Minister made a statemen:. at the opening of the Commons debate on the progress and conduct of the war. “The place for us to strike must be decided on with the most expert advice we can command,” said Mr. Chamberlain, in the statement w;th which he; opened the debate. Mr. Chamberlain was answering those who he said would urge a more vigorous policy, “who say that by some unexplained imaginative stroke ol daring we ought, as they say, to wrest to ourselves the initiative.” He added: “With the responsibility resting on the shoulders of the Gov • ernment, we cannot be hustled into adventures which appear to us to present little chance of success, much chance of danger, and perhaps disaster.” Later he declared with vigour, “Whatever may be the outcome, we are not likely to be diverted from the purpose for which we entered this war.”

The House greeted this declaration with loud and prolonged cheers, which were renewed when he went On to welcome Mr. Roosevelt’s recent address on the moral basis of peace, and to add: “It is to attain just such an aim that we have taken up arms. Wo intend to fight until it has been secured.”

The Labour Leader, Mr. Attlee, said: The initiative must not be lefi. to Herr Hitler. We can’t have a nolicy of wait and see. Whether me war is long or short, there is no excuse for not strengthening the home front. There is need for a drive. The Prime Minister must be ruthless against inefficiency. Neutral opinion is still favourable to Britain. If that is not evident among the rulers, it was so among the people. I want to see a War Cabinet that lays down war principles and takes decisions. Sir A. Sinclair (Liberal Leader) said that everybody was asking what Herr Hitler and M. Stalin were going to do. It was time we asked what Mr. Chamberlain was going to do. The impression abroad was that tne xx lies were good but weak, vacillating, slow and ineffective. The Garmans were evil but vigorous and teir.oly efficient.

Mr. Hore-Belisha said that powerful onslaughts could have broken the Russian , attacks on Finland- None ol the objections against the despatch of troops could prevent sending the Royal Air "Force squadrons. The Allies hesitated, the enemy acted, and Finland was defeated. The effects -n Europe were apparent in moves for new alignments. Britain and France, the strongest entities in world, must show strength. Mr. Chamberlain, replying to critics said that the suggestions that Britain and been outwitted at every turn were not conducive to victory, nor were supplies pouring through the blockade. The Navy and the Royal Air Force were keeping a continuous watch on Norwegian waters. If German ships were violating those waters, we would not hesitate to attack.

Winning the War WILL PROPAGANDA DO IT? (Received March 20, 11.5 p.m.) LONDON, March 20. Speaking in the House of Lords, Lord Snell (Labour), said that the nation was becoming dissatisfied over a lack of information. He said Germany knew the facts of the >■ Scapa Flow raid in two hours, and America knew in three ‘flours, but Britain was not informed for nine hours. He said: “Our propaganda is hopelessly inadequate. The Government has little aptitude for carrying on the war and bringing it to a quick conclusion.” Lord Halifax (Foreign Secretary) 'replying, said that no effort was being spared to secure the best information and the best propaganda.