Churchill Praises New Policy

Manawatu Times, Volume 64, Issue 80, 5 April 1939, Page 5

Churchill Praises New Policy

Britain Must be Sure Of Soviet Support LLOYD GEORGE ENTHUSIASTIC LONDON, April 3. Speaking in the debate on foreign policy which followed Mr. Chamberlain’s speech to the House of Commons, Mr. Winston Churchill said it was wonderful that Britain had finally declared most clearly that the defence of European freedom and the reign of law were causes for which Britain would dare all. Having begun to create an alliance against aggression, she must carry on that policy for the success of it. Mr. Churchill welcomed the repudiation of attempts that had been made to whittle down the guarantee to Poland. Referring to British defence, ho said: "If Britain wishes for success in her voluntary effort, it should be made clear that universal service would bo proclaimed immediately war broke out." Mr. Lloyd George als« congratulated the Government on what he claimed as a reversion to the policy on which it had won tho last general election. The Prime Minister's declaration, he said, opened a new chapter in history, not merely for Britain but for the natious of the world. It was a startling commitment, the consequences of which could not be foreseen. The Soviet’s entry into the alliance was a military matter of first importance. The Government was proceeding on four dubious assumptions:—» First, that Signor Mussolini would desert the Rome-Berlin axis. But Signor Mussolini would not be unfaithful and would act when France was engaged with Germany. Secondly, that General Franco would betray his allies. Thirdly, that the Mediterranean would be open to Britain, as in the Great War. Fourthly, that Russia would join in if Britain went to war against Germany.

Without Russia she would bo walking into a trap. Why, before her committal to this tremendous enterprise, did not Britain ensure that Russia was with her? Russia would not be brought in because of Poland’s feelings. It was for Britain to declare the terms on which she was prepared to assist Poland.

Mr. Anthony Eden commented on the importance, in the present circumstances, of the close and friendly relations which now existed with Turkey. Like Mr. Lloyd George he stressed the importance of collaborating with Russia. The essential value of the new policy, he said, was that it was a deterent factor. The policy had united Britain in support of the Government’s foreign policy, which would be immensely valuable in any negotiations that might take place. He added: "I believe the Government will pursue that policy with firmness and determination, with the wish to do what lies in our power to bring it to a successful conclusion and thus avoid that calamity which seems to be approaching nearer with every month that passes." Mr. Eden's motion urging the reconstruction of the Government on the widest possible basis has been withdrawn. The debate continues. There will be no division, but Sir John Simon, Chancellor of the Exchequer, will wind up for the Government. MUST BE IN ACCORDANCE WITH COVENANT ANY ENGAGEMENTS MADE Received Tuesday, 9.20 p.m. LONDON, April 3. Continuing his speech in the House of Commons, Mr. Winston Churchill said that other countries were seeking no security for themselves which they did not desire Germany to enjoy as well. He presumed that all engagements into which they were entering or would enter would be in harmony in letter and iu spirit with the Covenant of the League of Nations, because the Covenant contemplated not only mutual protection but the settlement of legitimate grievances by sincere negotiations. In. accordance with the principle enshrined in the Covenant he had always advocated and still advocated that the same guarantees should be open to Germany on the same conditions of observing the law of nations as were offered to other States. NO ENEMY CAN STAND IN BRITAIN’S WAY LLOYD GEORGE’S DECLARATION Received Tuesday, 9.20 p.m. LONDON, April 3. Iu his speech in the House of Commons during the debate on Foreign Affairs, Mr. David Lloyd George, after examining the practical implications of the new policy and urging the necessity on strategic grounds of securing the firm adherence of the Soviet Union, said the Prime Minister had said the freedom of the world was at stake. There was no country which had made greater sacrifices or displayed greater heroism in the fight for human freedom and international right than Britain. "I afn convinced," he declared, "that when the Prime Minister makes a call as he has done for Britain to renew its old achievements, Britain and her Empire will display such power, such valour and such irresistable might that no enemy can stand in her way." A Tremendous Fact Sir John Simon, winding up the de-

bate, said the unanimity with which the House of Commons accepted and approved of Mr. Chamberlain’s statement was outstanding. The country was more united in taking this stand than on any other contemporary question of policy. It was a tremendous fact that the world would have occasion to remember hereafter. It proclaimed a definite course of action if tho need arose. There could be uo looking back from the decision. It was a most serious commitment, because it did not merely threaten the possibility of war, but bound Britain iu certain events to undertake war. The Government was aware that more than an interim declaration was required. Whatever commitments were undertaken must not be vague or unspecified. They must be precise and defined. Neither convenience, comfort, money, wealth, insular tradition nor practice could be put in the scales against what was necessary. Now Britain’s whole potential streng Now Britain’s whole potential strength would be thrown into the essential work. Her strength must be used if occasion arose, but above all every effort conceivable would be made to broaden and make surer the basis of peace.