IN THE COMMONS

Hokitika Guardian, 8 September 1939, Page 5

IN THE COMMONS

FULL STATEMENT

BY MR NEVILLE CHAMBERLAIN.

(United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph —Copyright).

(Received this day at 10 a.m.) LONDON, September 7.

Mr Neville Chamberlain, in the House of Commons said that in the east the Poles were fighting hard against a strong and ruthless enemy, who were relying on weight of numbers and materials to crush all opposition. Against overwhelming air superiority j and out-numbered and out-gunned, the Poles were contesting every yard of the German advance.

Mr Chamberlain added that the British and French understanding was complete, and co-operative arrangements concerning the prosecution of the war were working smoothly and well.

German submarines had sunk three to four British merchantmen, in addition to the Athenia. German denials and inventions would not convince the public that Germany was innocent of this crime, which had profoundly shocked and horrified the world. The Premier also said that aviators from the Dominions participated in raids on the Kiel Canal. It would be realised that the objectives attacked were> probably the most strongly defended points throughout Germany. He added that the Germans had utilised every means of defence against propaganda, but had not made contact with British planes carrying leaflets. All planes had returned safely. The Royal Air Force scored at least two hits on a pocket-battleship.

Mr Chamberlain added that Britain’s war effort was rapidly gaining momentum. Defensive and military preparations were made in good time. Because of the precautionary measures taken during the tension, the antiaircraft coastal defences were manned efficiently, and guns and. searchlightunits manned with the briefest possible time. The Admiralty had taken iipmediate anti-submarine measures. Destroyers and other anti-submarine craft were the most active reinforcements, and anti-submarine and escort ships were rapidly becoming available. Steps were being taken to establish a convoy system as early as possible.; He added that the improved methods of detecting submarines would quickly end the submarine peril. Over 200,000 hospital beds were ready for air-raid casualties. Twentyfive hundred 4000 assistant, and 50,000 auxiliary nurses werq ayaihjble.,. •* s «,

“I know the Government is supported by the full weight of the people,” said the Premier, who were unitedly convinced that no nation had ever warred for a higher cause. We are most heartened by the knowledge that in the struggle for the defence of liberty, free institutions, and the preservation of all that makes life worth living; we can count on the support of all the overseas members of the British Commonwealth.”

He added .that 1,475,000 children had been evacuated from British cities,

CONSIDERABLE DISCUSSION,

LONDON, September 7 (Received this day at 10.15 a.m.)

In the Commons ) Mr Butler announced that the Tientsin conversations were suspended. He added that the Government was willing and anxious to continue the conversations, in the hope of reaching ,an agreement on outstanding points. Considerable criticism followed the announcement that the four Chinese were handed over to Japan, to which Mr Butler replied that many technical legal questions were involved aiid the Government had taken the best advice, and had regard to the decision of the high court. Sir Nevile Henderson has arrived at Gravesend witli the Embassy staff, DEFENCE OF IRELAND. BELFAST, September 0. The Prime Minister of Northern Irn land (Lord Craigavon) told the House of Commons that defence informatiou relating to Northern Ireland was being -conveyed to the German' Legation in Dublin, whence it was being sent to Germany.

Mr Thomas Henderson, member for Belfast, said air raid protection and other like information went to Germany. “I don’t think the German Min ister should remain in Dublin. If the Government of South Ireland is in the Empire,it should remove that man immediately and let the Empire see that it is with us.” Lord Craigavon said the British Government had been informed and action was being taken.