Peace Prospects Better

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 41, 18 February 1939, Page 5

Peace Prospects Better

Britain Will Not Surrender Vital Interests ANGLO-FRENCH AGREEMENT United Press Association.—Bv Electric Telegraph.—Copyright. Received Friday, 8.30 p.m. LONDON, Feb. 17. Sir John Simon, in a public speech, said: “We are not prepared to surrender any of our vital interests in pursuit of peace. There is an increasing feeling throughout the country regarding the prospects of peace being more secure. The feeling results: “First, from a knowledge that Britain is growing stronger daily and the people are prepared to shoulder any and every burden necessary for security. “Secondly, from a closo and warm Anglo-French understanding. Thirdly, from good relations with the United States. “Fourthly, from the prospects of an early ending of the Spanish war and, above all, from the determination with which Mr. Chamberlain has pursued the promotion of understanding with others, whatever is the form of their Government.” Ho added that re-armament was not aggressive and Britain would welcome the day a general reduction of armaments was effectively secured by international agreement, enabling labour and capital to bo devoted to peace works. BRITAIN’S ENEMIES WOULD ATTACK EIRE IMPOSSIBLE TO BE NEUTRAL Received Friday, 7.5 p.m. DUBLIN, Feb. 17. “It is impossible for Eire to remain neutral in the event of a war between Britain and another country, ’> said Mr. de Valera in a debate on the defence estimates in the Dail. As .long as any part of Ireland was occupied by Britain, he added, there would always be a section wishing Britain’s downfall in tho hope of regaining Irish freedom. Nevertheless, any enemy of Britain would aim at cutting off food supplies and bo likely to bomb Irish ports. Therefore it was essential that Ireland should bo ready to defend herself in order in that event to continue her trade with England in cattle and other products. The greater part of the money for defence would be spent on aeroplanes and anti-aircraft guns. Mr. Cosgravo announced his Party would vote against the estimates, which they considered wildly extravagant. The Dail passed ( the defence estimates by 62 votes to 39. PROGRESS OF ARMS CONSTRUCTION PROGRAMME NEW BATTLESHIPS TO BE 40,000-TON VESSELS LONDON, Feb. 16. The Daily Express says that the two

battleships on tho 1939 programme will be 40,000-ton vessels with 16-inch guns. Four largo cruisers and one aircraftcarrier will make a total of 43 ships in the 1939 programme. The new battleships will bring the total of capital ships under construction to nine. The Financial News says that, with drastic economies and drastic taxation, it might be possible to keep defence borrowing between £265-million and £ 295-million in the coming year. The supplementary Army Estimates total £8,025,000, including the following items: £1,387,000 for the Regular Army; £4,475,000 for the acceleration of certain works; £900,000 for Czech crisis emergency works; and £865,000 for Palestine.

All sections of the Press warmly approve the defence programme announced by the Prime Minister, Mr Chamberlain, in yesterday’s White Paper. The Daily Telegraph says that the cost is staggering, but that the country is ready to bear whatever burden will; assure national security. All it asks is, to receive value for the money, and receive it quickly. The News-Chronicle comments that it will show the dictators that their apparently pacific speeches have "not pulled the wool over our eyes.” The Daily Express says: ‘‘The new programme will make us so strong that no enemy will dare attack us.” The Daily Mail says: ‘‘The barometer tells us that we are becoming stronger daily as the needle of expenditure moves steadily from danger Insecurity.”