Hitler Missed Bus, But Took Plane, Lord Snell Says

Northern Advocate, 9 May 1940, Page 5

Hitler Missed Bus, But Took Plane, Lord Snell Says

In House of Lords

(Received 2 p.m.) LONDON, May 8. Lord Strabolgi, Labour Peer, in the House of Lords debate on Norway, said the Government’s conduct of operations was a symptom of a disease which must be treated quickly or become chronic. Holding Narvik and abandoning the rest of Norway was holding John o’ Groats and the Orkneys, and abandoning the rest of the Kingdom, including all the wealth, industries and resources. He added that the Grand Fleet could have gone into Oslo Fiord and driven away the lighter German forces in the two days between the capture of Oslo and the arrival of the German reinforcements. Lord Birdwood’s View. Lord Birdwood hoped that our men would daily and nightly raid German communications in Norway, because nothing would upset the troops more. Norway was not a disaster. He believed it would result in a great success -for us. Lord Snell (Labour) said that, despite apologetic statements the Government was weaker today than yesterday. “We have rehabilitated Hitler, in the minds of the German people,” he said. “Hitler missed the bus, but took a plane. It was quicker.” Criticises Amateur Strategists. The Foreign Secretary (Viscount Halifax) said it was impossible for anyone to draw a distinction between the Prime Minister and other members of the War Cabinet who share full responsibility. “We have only one purpose—to win the war,” he said. “I am net under any delusion about Germany’s strength. Our war effort will impose an immense strain on our staying power. We must marshall our efforts without dissipation of vital energy. “Nothing is more likely to lead to disaster than amateur strategists who shout for immediate action.”