BRITAIN'S ARMY

Hokitika Guardian, 10 March 1939, Page 5

BRITAIN'S ARMY

THE ESTIMATES

DISCUSSED IN COMMONS. (Per British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 8. Mr Hore Belisha began, his speech, when introducing the Army Estimates in the Commons, by reference to the question which, he said, he thought was uppermost in the mind of the House, namely, to what extent Britain should be prepared, in the event of war to intervene with land forces on the Continent of Europe. The question was searching, and could only be adequately discussed within the context of the country’s strategic problems. Mr Hore Belisha recalled the declaration made by Mr Chamberlain on December 14, which he reinforced on February 11, and which left in no doubt the position which, in certain eventualities, Britain would assume. On the latter occasion, Mr Chamberlain had said that he felt bound to make it plain that the solidarity of interest by which France and this country were united is such that any threat to the vital interest of France, from whatever quarter it came, must evoke the immediate cooperation of this country.. That de-.

claration was, of greater significance than any which preceded it, and made it incumbent to consider and to prepare for the use of a field force, in certain eventualities.

Mr Hore Belisha said that the historical qualification of British military effort abroad still remained—every soldier who fought had to be transposed, and every weapon he used, every shell he fired, and every vehicle he drove, had to be carried oversea. Ihe whole of the army could not, therefore } arrive simultaneously in a theatre of war, where Continental armjes might already be in position. It would have to be dispatched m echelons, on serial dates.

In a survey of’the military purposes for which the British forces were maintained, and the manner in which they were being discharged, Mr Hore Belisha recalled that the foundation of British strategy had been to maintain land forces which, in conjunction with sea power, would sufficiently safeguard British, territories.

He proceeded to review, in detail, both the Home defence and 'overseas garrisons, and stressed that neither the maintenance of strategic reserves in India and the Middle East, nor the strengthening of overseas garrisons, would result in a diminution of the size ot the strategic reserve “in : the United ( Kingdom. Mr Hore Belisha said that all the Regular Army divisions, except those armoured, will be equipped for action, within the coming financial year. The production’ of light tanks is well ahead of schedule. Cruiser tanks only are now being delivered. The Bren gun is being produced in overwhelming numbers.

A proportion of the Regular reserves foy the first time, will be summoned to the colours this year, In order that they may be kept up-ur-date.

The Army effectives of all ranks, exclusive of the troops in India and Burma, number 531.353, Mr Duff Cooper said:- “Mr Hore Belisha’s statement regarding an expeditionary force, and ou r .willingness to send it to the Continent, : is good enough for me. The statement is probably the most satisfactory concerning the Army, ever made in the. House.”

GERMANS PROFESS SURPRISE. BERLIN, March 9. The German Government spokesman said that he was surprised that Rt. Hon. Mr Hore Belisha (the British Secretary for War), 'had even mentioned the landing of troops on the Continent, in view of Herr Hitler’s repeated statements that Germany has .no territorial claims against France.

The spokesman added that, even the combined British and, French strength was not sufficient to smash Germany’s western defences. Therefore, Mr Hore Belisha’s words “left Germany cold.” ITALIAN VIEW. ROME, March 9. The statement as to land forces by Mr Belisha (British War Secretary), is considered to be directed against Italy and Germany.