The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1839. ECONOMIC WARFARE.

Hokitika Guardian, 26 September 1939, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the West Coast Times.) TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 1839. ECONOMIC WARFARE.

The progress of the war seems to indicate as was referred to yesterday, a protracted war with the object of wearing down the enemy. A notable British tactician who has written a war book, has declared that defence is the best form of action in the greater assurance to final victory. In the present instance, it was not possible for Britain and France to go to the direct aid of Poland when attacked, but all the promises have indicated the determination to fight on, and in the end achieve a victory whereby Poland’s fortunes can be retrieved. To that end the Allies have set in in the west against the German strong line of defence, and carried the attack into German territory appropriating the Saar coalfields which are indispensable for the Germans . if carrying on a prolonged war. The public have grown adapted now to the slow progress on the front, which if more actively maintained, would necessarily be costly. Instead, the Allies are consolidating their advanced position, and waiting for the shock of the attempted German advance when the forces in Poland are freed. It is evident, however, the prowess of the Poles has made a complete victory in Polagd not an easy matter for the vast German force sent against the 'country. There has been no lightning victory, instead a long drawn-out battle, and though the Poles lost heavily, they have inflicted great losses on the enemy, and must have gone some way to undermine the morale of the fighting force through finding their mission so costly. It would seem that the German army is not equal to the highly-trained machine of 1914, a fact which has been admitted by German military authorities, who some time ago advised against war to the chagrin of Herr Hitler, and he carried out something of a purge of his high officers. The Allies would be well aware of the course of events, and will have much secret information of internal conditions in Germany. A number of prisoners have been taken and some of these would be talkative, while the air roconnaisances afford material views of the inland and the preparations, which give more than usual details of the situation to be overcome. It is the business of the Allies to glean all this kind of information, and with the knowledge, a programme of defence is being maintained. The west front .will have the direct effect of impressing the beleaguered poeple of their plight. That evidence they can glean in various ways, from the sound of tho conflict, or the stream of wounded. What is transpiring at sea they know but. vaguely, or through the curtailment of essential foods, and reductions

in rations. In this process the heavy direct attacks on strongly entrenched positions are noticeable for their absence. We know the French force is strong, and is supported by a strong British force, but as Mr Chamberlain said, the Allied forces await the decisive time for an effective attack. Because of that, the economic front requires to be supported to the limit. Australia is meeting fresh costs, and New Zealand is to learn its financial fate, perhaps to-night. Great Britain will have its war budget disclosed,-also this week. Other parts of the Empire are likewise marshalling their financial resources and with all united and determined for the full sacrifice, the road to the final victory and restored peace and security should bo opened up.