Invasion Not Feared

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 96, 23 April 1941, Page 7

Invasion Not Feared

LONDON, March 24. Invasion of Britain by the Nazis has been in the background of the minds of tho people since last June, when Franco fell. Throughout the autumn and winter there have been various grave warnings uttored by the Prime Minister and other national leaders, and the thought of invasion has not been allowed to stray from the public mind.

The reason for this, of course, is that invasion is a very real threat, and offers a short cut for Hitler to win—or lose * the war. The constant repetition of its possibility has also been made to keep the people of Britain on their toes, so that they will not slip back into that easy mood of self-confidence that has been the background of all classes to the amazement of Continental refugees. Now the latest reminder of the in vision. threat is the publication of a Ministry of Information leaflet advising the public what will be expected of them if tho Nazis decide to take tho risk. They must carry on at their jobs, keep indoors if a local battle occurs, travel as little as possible, and so on. But are the people worried about invasion? Not they!

Men in the forces and civilians alike would appear almost to welcome an invasion if only because they believe it would be a short cut to peace. There is a confidence and a general desire to

“have a smack at Jerry,” and no doubt as to the outcome. In higher circles, if invasion would not be welcomed, there is no lack of confidence about repelling it.