British Isles In War Zone, But People Unflinching

Northern Advocate, 28 May 1940, Page 5

British Isles In War Zone, But People Unflinching

(Received 1 p.m.) RUGBY, May 27. The German drive on the French coast is being watched by the British public with anxious and steady gaze and unflinching resolve. There is full appreciation of the fact that the British Isles are now right in tlie war zone, but this has done nothing to shake the faith of the British people in ultimate victory. This faith is grounded upon confidence in the superiority, man for man, of the British soldier over the enemy, the strength of the British Navy, the immense economic reserve of the British Empire, and a firm belief in France’s powers of endurance and capacity. Youths for Home Defence. Youths between 18 and 191, who are not yet liable far military service, will be accepted as members of the new force for home defence. The intensive preparations are proceeding m a spirit of eager determination. concealed under an outward appearance of calm and normality. In London there are few apparent signs of the preparations. The transport services are completely normal, and there is less interruption of civilian activity than in the first weeks of the war.

A typical example of the seeming contrast was seen on Sunday. When the factories were working at full blast, the churches were crowded to overflowing for the day of national prayer—a striking demonstration of the spirit in which the people of Britain are facing the grave times. Empire Equally Determined. All parts of the Empire are showing similar determination to that of Britain to bring the war effort to the maximum by the most energetic measures. and with the greatest possible speed. The offer of the Canadian Prime Minister (Mr. Mackenzie King) to forward immediately all the aeroplanes of certain types now available in the Dominion has been accepted by Britain. At the same time, Mr. Mackenzie King has informed the Canadian Parliament that his Government is considering sweeping measures to conscript manpower and property, similar to the new emergency powers in Britain. The Official Wireless also mentions in this connection the latest war efforts in New Zealand and Australia.