Chamberlain

Northern Advocate, 26 February 1940, Page 5

Chamberlain

'.Received 11.30 a.m.) ’LONDON, February 24. In the course ol a speech at Birmingham tii is afternoon, concluding the series of addresses by members of the War Cabinet, the Prime Minister, Mr. Chamberlain fully defined Britain's war aims. Mr. Chamberlain said Britain did net desire the destruction of any people, but was fighting to secure that the small nations of Europe should henceforth live in security; to right the wrongs Germany had inflicted on people who were once free; for the freedom of individual conscience and for freedom in religion; against persecution, wherever it might be found; to abolish the spirit of militarism, and against the accumulation oi' armaments which was pauperising all Europe. Free Foies, Czeclus. How. in concrete terms, were these aims to be secured? asked Mr. Chamberlain. First the independence of the Poles and Czechs must be secured. Germany must show that she had once and for all abandoned the thesis that might was right. Britain and France were determined to do what they could to ensure security by the continuance of that complete identity of purpo.v? anc! policy which now united them and which after the war would form a foundation on which international relations between the two countries were established. Only so could they establish the authority and stability which, they were convinced were necessary for the wellbeing and security of Europe, during the period of reconstruction and fresh endeavour to which they looked forward after the war. Others Must Help. “Bui France and Britain cannot and would not wish alone to settle the new Europe,” said Mr. Chamberlain. “Others must come in and help us, above all, to bring about disarmament, which can only be attained after the re-establishment of confidence between the nations. "In this Germany could do not more than other nations, for she, more than any other, has done most to destroy it. “When she is ready to give reliable proofs of her goodwill, she will not find others lacking in the will to help her to overcome the economic difficulties that will accompany the transition from war to peace. “But let me continue by repeating that the next step does not lie with us. “We are resolved that freedom shall predominate, and it is because tyranny and intimidation have tried to prevail over freedom that we have entered Hie war. Until we are satisfied freedom is safe, we shall continue to fight to the utmost of our strength and of the strength of the whole Empire.” Dominions Disappoint Nazis. Mr Chamberlain evoked prolonged cheers when he paid a tribute to the | Dominions. “Germany before the war, believed that the Dominions would not support us,” said Mr Chamberlain. “Germany has been gloriously disappointed. “Men and munitions from all parts' of the Empire are daily adding to our strength. The Dominions Secretary, Mr Anthony Eden, after his visit to the Anzacs. has given me an enthusiastic account of the bearing and efficiency of these first-class fighting men. “Canadinans also are here. When we think that these men travelled thousands of miles, leaving their parents. wives and even young children. \ye are deeply impressed by the moral greatness of the cause inspiring so intense a conviction of its righteousness. “New 7 Zealand, Australia and South Africa are supplying us with half the world's normal wool exports. Australia and Canada have sent us since the outbreak of war 4,000,000 tons of wheat.”