Criticism of Munich Unjustified

Manawatu Times, Volume 65, Issue 258, 31 October 1940, Page 7

Criticism of Munich Unjustified

Pact Was But an Armistice MB. KENNEDY’S TRIBUTE TO j 1 BRITAIN Unitea Press Association —By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received Wednesday, 8.30 p.in. NEW YORK, Oct. 29. Mr. Joseph Kennedy, United States Ambassador to Britain, who is at present back in America, in a sponsored broadcast, endorsed Mr. Roosevelt’s reelection. He said the charge that the President was attempting to involve the United States in war was false. Criticism of the Munich Pact was unjustified. Mr. Chamberlain and nearly everyone in Britain knew that Munich was but an armistice What would have happened to England if the blitzkreig of 1940 had occurred in September, 1938? Mr. Kennedy said he was more convinced than ever that America should keep aloof from the war. The American people were overwhelmingly in favour of avoiding war, but at the same time giving all aid short of war to Britain. No more harmful step could be taken from the viewpoint of Britain than an American declaration of war. .... England’s valiant fight was giving America time to prepare. Without assistance from the United States, Britain would find it much more difficult to carry on. “I have seen an outnumbered but bravo band of B.A.F. airmen, and about 20 miles of water, keep back the German invader While the British Navy remains unconquercd and the British nation continues to fight . a gallant battle for its existence and its ancient democratic way of life, we are given time, precious time, so that we can make ourselves strong. The British fleet is, therefore, highly important to our national existence Those of us who know the stuff of which. Mr. Churchill and the British leaders are made, those of us who know the courage and, calibre of the officers and 1 men of the Royal Navy, can feel completely assured that the surrendering of > the fleet to Hitler is a thought so fan- ■ tastic as to be beyond basic belief. - Democracies such as the United States i and England, it is difficult to rally . when neither is desperate or frighti ened. Even after she learned that • Germany was arming to the teeth, England proceeded confidently but leisurely on the task of getting prepared All elements in Britain were shortsighted in their failure to appreciate their peril and prepare accordingly.’ ’