STRONG BRITAIN

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 95, 21 March 1938, Page 9

STRONG BRITAIN

TO PRESERVE PEACE. FOREIGN POLICY VIEWS. MINISTERS’ ADDRESSES. (United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright.) , (British Official Wireless.) RUGBY, March 19. “We are united in the determination that our country should be strong not merely to protect our own interests, for the strength of Britain is perhaps the greatest factor in the preservation of the peace of . the world,” said the Air Minister (Lord Swinton), speaking in the Midlands. What had liappened in Austria had been a great shock to the confidence in the world and was a serious deterrent to the promotion of good relations which the Government continuously sought to achieve.

“It is well that not only we in this country but that Germany should understand why what happened has been a shock to this country, which is only too anxious to be on good terms and have reasonable agreements and fair relations with that great country. “It is not in the least a question of the merits of the union of Austria with Germany. Probably many people think that in itself was a reasonable arrangement. It was the way in which it happened that shocked, alarmed and made indignant not only Britain but probably every other country in Europe.” A STRAIGHT COURSE. Speaking at a Pilgrims’ dinner to the new American . Ambassador (Mr J. P. Kennedy), the Foreign Secretary (Lord Halifax) said that in spite of all difficulties and dangers Britain had tried to steer a straight course in the light of principles which were equally valued by the United States Government. Mr Cordell Hull’s eloquent definition of the methods by which the cause of law and justice could be supported and peace brought to a distracted world would find a ready acceptance in the hearts of all English-speaking peoples. The Home Secretary (Sir Samuel Hoare), speaking in the West Country, said the international situation was grave but by no means hopeless. The response to his appeal lor a million volunteers in connection with the air raid precautions had been very good, said the Home Secretary, and the offers of help had been so heavy that the local organisation was unable to cope with them. The Chancellor of the Exchequer had agreed to allow for income tax purposes the expenditure of firms on the training of their staffs in air raid duties and the provision of shelters and equipment. The Leader of the Opposition (Mr C. R. Attlee) attacked the Prime Minister’s policy and declared the drift to war must be arrested. The forces on the side of peace and the rule of law were very powerful, but they awaited a decisive word. The Liberal leader (Sir Archibald Sinclair), speaking in the country, emphatically denied that war was inevitable, but condemned the “drifting policy of the Prime Minister” and demanded a return to the League policy.