Declaration of War Expected on Nazi Allies

Manawatu Times, Volume 66, Issue 265, 7 November 1941, Page 5

Declaration of War Expected on Nazi Allies

Britain Accused of Weakness and Indecision OUTSPOKEN COMMENT BY “TIMES” United Press Association—By Electric Telegraph—Copyright. Received Thursday, 9.30 p.m. LONDON, Nov. 5.

The Times, in a leader, says: “Press messages from Helsinki anu me spate of semi-official abuse from the Axis capitals make it clear that a favourable reply to Mr. Cordell Hull's appeal to Finland to make a separate peace cannot be expected. American and Axis newspapers are making a well-founded assumption that the ± innish failure to reply must result in an immediate British declaration of war against Finland, Hungary and Rumania.”

Tne Times recalls Mr. Eden’s warnings to Finland and Mr. Hull’s appeals over a three months’ period and adds:

•‘ A recital of these facts in itself is sufficient to convict Britain of weakness and indecision if a declaration of war is further delayed. Stalin’s request for a declaration though divulged only a few days ago was three weeks old which suggests a disquieting lack of initiative and imagination. “This sense of disquiet will not be removed by information that the interval was occupied with consulting the Dominions and the United States. The doctrine of consultation with the Dominion is clearly defined but it would be deplorable if British diplomacy fell into the error of seeking American approval for every important official decision.

“British strategy and production must learn that the slow-moving traditions of peace be reconciled with the drastic and revolutionary demands of total war. The same lesson is equally binding on British diplomacy.”