The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the, West Coast Times.) TUESDAY, JULY 16th., 1940 THE SITUATION

Hokitika Guardian, 16 July 1940, Page 4

The Guardian (And Evening Star, with which is incorporated the, West Coast Times.) TUESDAY, JULY 16th., 1940 THE SITUATION

The war situation, particularly as to its,growing intensity, is exemplified by the decision at Home to postpone tor the present the exodus of childien overseas; for special 'safety. ‘The torpedoing of a transport with internees aboard bound for, Canada, appears to have been the deciding factor. The- “Andora Star” was sent suddenly to the bottom, somewhere off the coast of Ireland, and many of the prisoners and officers and the cfew were lost'. This experience so near Home waters showed the present peril ‘to shipping fnoini U-boats which get through the blockade to prey upon all ships within sight. The British Cabinet is not prepared to take the responsibility of .. sending mercantile vessels loaded with chiiuren on long sea Voyages, because there are not the warships to convoy them. Such a decision appears wise in all the circumstances, for it is,essential to retain the warships for active defence about Home water's. The spread of the war to the Mediterranean, and the prospect of war in other distant waters where the conditions are . very unsettled, naturally influence tlnj. decision. It will be received in the oversea countries, so ready to take care of the young children, with regret, but the need for the decision can be well understood and respected. The war, is intense about

Britain now, with the often repeated threats that worse is to come. So far the worst has not been anything that the defence of Britain could not deal with, while at the same time, the raiding carried into enemy country, never slackens, but continues to return .rather mow than tit for tat. It is this wearing down process that counts for the present, undermining the morale of the continental folk. In the war in the .air, Britain scores more direct losses on the enemy, than are experienced from the enemy. The resoluteness of the British fighting, and the readiness of the pilots to “take on” any odds with their deadly manoeuvring, has impressed the Germans, as prisoners have related. ' The British are also receiving still faster machines from the United States, and these going into operation will add to the superiority. But while this is very enoour,aging, it is most important to maintain the British Navy where its striking power will be of the greatest service. It is manifest the warships could not be sent on long voyages at such a critical time, and that decision will be accepted as the wisest to lead up to the winning of the war. In connection with that phase, the Home defences must now be at a high state of efficiency. All possible ideas of the form of invasion are being prepared fop with a wealth of detail leaving as little as possible to chance. That an air invasion is considered a possibility, is showing by the ploughing of deep trenches in cricket and football grounds, and all open fields have impediments installed to check machines landing. The Army is at its strongest, lining the whole coast, along which there is a stringent curfew rule to prohibit civilians being abroad after dark. These complete details further emphasise how the situation is being taken in hand, to make the ass"ranee of the complete defence of Britain doubly sure.

France, in 1789, whence dates the Republican France which grew so* intimate with Great Britain. The date became a national anniversary, and was marked by much outward display of rejoicing year by year. This year it has been turned into a Day of Mourning to make the fall of France to the invader, and the departure of justice, freedom and fraternity, marking the former ideals of the country. Under German dictation, France has a new Constitution for the time being, founded on Nazi practices in which neither freedom of action or thought have a place. It is now the task of Britain with a remnant of the nations overrun by Germany, to seek to re-establish not only in France, but also in Europe, those ideals free men prize, including individual rights, which mark people under a true democracy, a free people. In taking up the Nazi challenge there is is a stern task to perform, and it must not be lightly considered. Even at this distance from the seat of the war, as the Prime (Minister reminded New Zealand on Sunday night, there is a task to be performed, and all must work in unity for the common end. On the other side of the world where Britain is now an armed nation, and has at her side the sons of the oversea Dominions, their trials and task can be realised from the daily news of enemy visitations, and the measures taken to counter them. The main attack threatened is still to come, and for the time being Hitler has put aside other, tasks in the Balkans, that his forces may be free for the greatest achievement. But there is a nation prepared and resolute, and the theme of all the leaders in their addresses to the Empire and to their kinsmen in America, is one of determination to sacrifice to the full in the endeavour to defeat the forecs bent on destroying the liberties of tile world, and that order of regulated intercourse on which the fortunes of all nations have been built up. The task is great but the people are in good heart to achieve it.