PANIC UNJUSTIFIED

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIII, Issue 285, 30 October 1933, Page 7

PANIC UNJUSTIFIED

LIGHT-HEARTED WAR TALK. “BRITONS WOULD NOT HAVE IT.” FOREIGN SECRETARY CRITICISED (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyright.) Received October 30, 8.35 a.m. LONDON, Oct. 29. Major the Hon. Oliver Stanley, addressing his constituents at Kendal (Westmorland), declared that war panic was unjustified. No Government anywhere has its attention fixed on anything hut its economic revival. Sir Herbert Samuels, speaking at Halifax, denounced the light-hearted talk of another war. He said that Britons would not have it. “They are determined, as far as their power extends, to stop it now. That is the lesson, o£ East Fulham. The Disarmament Conference must arrive at a convention, , reasonably offering Germany fulfilment of the Versailles pledges.’ Sir Stafford Cripps, speaking at Bristol, characterised Sir John Simon as the worst Foreign Secretary in 200 years. He said he had led Britain into repeated follies. He added that Herr Hitler would not be so certain of his position if Japan had been properly dealt with last year. “It makes one almost physically vomit to see the armament factories at Sheffield busier than they have been for years. We ought to warn the Government that Labour would call a general strike rather than permit breaking anti-war pacts,” he said. DEFENCE EXPENDITURE. A PRESS FORECAST. Received October 30, 11.40 a.m. / LONDON, Oct. 29. Despite official disclaimers, the newspapers continue to forecast big expenditure on defence. The Sunday Chronicle declares that the Air Force is building over 100 fighting ’planes, equipped with machine guns, and a squadron of giant flying-boats. It adds that the Navy is contemplating a 1934 programme of 30 vessels comprising six cruisers, two flotilla leaders, sixteen destroyers and six submarines. THE SINGAPORE BASE. EXTENSIVE MILITARISATION. PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE. Received October 30, 11.40 a.m. LONDON, Oct. 29. The Singapore coastal resort of Changi, which is at the entrance of ■the channel leading to the naval base, formerly a popular holiday resort, is now being militarised. New barracks are being built for the accommodation of an increased number of troops. It is rumoured that another British infantry battalion will be stationed here in 1934, also that a military aerodrome will be built. While there are not the slightest signs of a scare, the developments are generally, commended, it being realised that in the event of trouble in the Far East Singapore would be the most concerned.