British Power Invincible

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 55, 7 March 1939, Page 6

British Power Invincible

Enemies Would Meet Dire Disaster X LOKD NUFFIELD REASSURES Per Press Association. WELLINGTON, Last Night. “The British Empire has been on top, is on top and is still going to be on top, and if there is anyone who wants to toar it to pioces I can only say they will meet with disaster,” said Viscount Nuffield in referring to the recent European crisis in the course of a reply to a toast to him at a dinner given in his honour by the chairman of directors of Dominion Motors, Ltd., Sir Charles Norwood, to-night. Lord Nuffield said the next war would be a world war, but he hoped the nations would all sc l © reason in future and obviate such a catastrophe. ‘ ‘ Coming as I do from the other side of the world,” Lord Nuffield said, “where not so long ago a crisis prevailed, I would like to try to give a in tie comfort to people so far away for the reason that I do not think that on many occasions you get right information at this distance. ‘‘ At the time of the crisis we were all very worried but not afraid I can say here to-night that the Army and Navy at that time had never been in better condition in the history of England. We were certainly short in the air but had it been necessary to fight I think the other people would have found that we had more strength than they expected.” Mr. Chamberlain Praised

Lord Nuffield paid a tribute to tho part played by the British Prime Minister, Mr. Neville Chamberlain, in the crisis, which ho said he was sure the world would never forget.

“God only knows we don’t want the Great War over again,” he continued. “It would not only be the Great War over again— itwould be a world war next time. To mo it is almost unbelievable that in this age anyone should want to bring about such a disaster, and I feel sure that if it is in tho power of England—and Mr. Chamberlain has done his best and is still doing his best—that will not occur. I feel sure such work cannot be overlooked and that after what he has done it is almost impossible for any other country to bring about a war without a reason. I can only hope the countries concerned will become a little more sane.” Mammoth Aircraft Factory

At present, Lord Nuffield continued, ho was putting up one of tho biggest aircraft factories m the world and he could assure his hearers that no time had been wasted in building it and producing aeroplanes in the shortest possible time.

“I will not say more on that subject,” Lord Nuffield continued. “There is naturally so much more I could say, but many things are better left nsaid. England is still very busy and confident and I should not have left England had I thought there was going to be war.”