ON TO VICTORY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 169, 17 June 1940, Page 7

ON TO VICTORY

ALLIED DETERMINATION ’ ; ■ ft: PROMPT REPLY TO NAZIS (United Press Association —By Electric Telegraph— Copyright.) (British Official Wireless.) Received June 17, 9 a.m. < RUGBY, June 15. The French radio states that “reports published abroad that France has asked for "ail armistice are categorically denied in France. "At a time like tlie present it is natural there should be baseless, ill-informed rumours of peace proposals and peace negotiations. It cannot be too clearly and definitely stated that Great Britain is firmly and resolutely determined to con-. • tinue the struggle until victory has been won,” declares a statement made in authoritative quarters at 7.30 (British summer time) this evening.

ALLIED NAVAL MIGHT. “Even if France’s resistance on land were seriously weakened, she still has the.jppst,powerful navy in Europe after the British, and this great Allied Fleet is fully capable of enforcing-the blockade, which will become more than ever effective as a result of Italy’s entry into the war. “Germany has used up her resources on the reckless, scale of the present offensive, though these reserves may not yet be exhausted. “Unless she can defeat the British Empire and its Allie? within a few months, her chance of defeating them at all will have vanished. The tremendous resources of the British and French Empires, together with those which the United States lias placed at the disposal of the Allies, will play a weightier part with each week that passes. ✓— MAN-POWER RESERVES. “As week succeeds week,' the manpower of Britain takes its place in the struggle with ever-increasing momentum. In the last five weeks'more men have been called up than in any corresponding period of our history, ana the figure already attained is certain to be largely exceeded in the future. “The production of aeroplanes, arms, and munitions continues to increase at a great pace. Supplies from America are now arriving and substantial quantities will soon be coming as fast our ports can deal with them. “Unlike the enemy, whose only hope of victory rests in defeating the Allies, within a few weeks or months, we 'are prepared to continue the war just as long as may be necessary to secure the downfall of our opponent even though it may take years to accomplish that task. .In their unshaken determination to achieve victory, no matter what the cost, tlie Governments of the Empire have the united support of their peoples.” SEPARATE ’ IPEACE: AXIS RUMOURS DENIED. LONDON, June 15., A rumour to the effect that the Frencli are contemplating making a separate peace is authoritatively denied. It seems- to be a clear case of a story emanating Irom the German radio without any justification. The British Official Wireless states: The German and Italian propaganda machines to day have l>een more than usually active, circulating through their innumerable devious channels a variety of rumours designed to shake tlie mutual confidence of the Allied peoples. The main theme in the many variations is that disagreement exists between" the British and French civil and military authorities. Stories to this effect have been reproduced in many languages from the German and Italian wireless stations. In authoritative London quarters attention was directed to the origin of these rumours, which are completely devoid of foundation. Jt was stated that the Allies continue as hitherto in close co-operation and complete agreement. ALLIED AMBASSADORS. CONFERENCE WITH PRESIDENT. WASHINGTON, June 15. The British and, French Ambassadors conferred with President Roosevelt for over an hour, after which the British envoy (Lord Lothian) said that .the meeting “cleared up some tilings in our minds.” Both emphasised that they visited the President without instructions from their Governments. It is generally believed that they discussed further speeding the delivery of Allied war orders, and also the European situation as a whole. President Vargas has assured President Roosevelt that “Brazil will not fail him” in loyalty to the common purpose of "protecting the AVestern Hemisphere against foreign influences and/attack. President Vargas expressed regret that his recent speech was interpreted in some quarters ao contradictory to the principles President Roosevelt enunciated ill his Charlottesville speech’ pledging aid to the Allies. ITALIAN PROPAGANDA. ' The Secretary of State (Mr Cordell Hull) .revealed that several of the Goveriimeut’s agencies were investigating reports that Italian consular officials had engaged in propagandist activities. He indicated that the Government had noted numerous published reports on the matter , which, if substantiated, might cause the Government to request the withdrawal of any guilty person. Surprisingly, in view of liis previous public accord with ch-t idea of tlie Administration aiding the Allies short of war, the Republican leader (Mr A. M. Landon) issued a statement in -which he condemned Mr R iosevelt’s recent speech at Charlottesville, pledging aid to the Allies as a “course taken on his own responsibility that is /in the direction of war, for which the nation is utterly unprepared and to which a vast majority ot the peopje are opposed.” The French purchasing mission reveals that it has taken up an option for 120 “flying fortresses,” which are to be built by the Consolidated Aircraft Corporation .'or delivery in the second and third quarters of 1941. The Senate has paese.J a measure aimed at Fifth Column activities in the army arid navy. A maximum of 10 years’ imprisonment is provided for the advocacy of insubordination, disloyalty or mutiny. It lias also voted in favour of a fingerprint register of aliens. •