Anticipates Nazi Peace Drive If Moscow Reached

Northern Advocate, 14 July 1941, Page 5

Anticipates Nazi Peace Drive If Moscow Reached

(Rec. 2.30 p.m.) RUGBY. July 13. The possibility that Hitler may launch a great peace offensive from Moscow, if he ever reaches Moscow, was discussed by the Lord Privy Seal (Mr. C. R. Attlee), in a speech tonight. “Hitler would like to proclaim himself the saviour of Europe from Bolshevism," said Mr. Attlee. “He would like to announce his new order. “If Russia gave way he would probably promise to restore to their peoples some of the lands he has seized, and offer what would appear generous terms. He will seek to appeal to every peace-loving person. Some Would Fall—Again “I daresay he will find some pacifists to respond. There are still a certain number of amiable, gullible, woollyminded people who, with genuine loathing of war, shut their eyes to realities and who, despite abundant instances of the impossibility of putting any trust whatever in the words of the Nazis, still go about bleating peace by negotiation. “He may catch a few war-weary people here and there and a few ‘peace at any price’ people who put their private fortunes above the public weal. “I can assure you he will deceive nobody in the Government. I am certain that the great mass of people in this country and the countries of the British Commonwealth will not be deceived. Stand By Realities “Is there anyone wno, on Hitler's word, would be prepared to disarm, who would feel safe to abolish the A.R.P. while Hitler had the power to strike ? Is there anyone who would be prepared to do the simplest business transaction with a Nazi ? “No, we stand by realities. We will not make peace with the Nazi gang because such a peace would be no peace. It would be a betrayal of everything for which this country stands.’’ Mr. Attlee went on to say that Britain would endeavour to do everything practical to aid Russia and by attacking Germany to draw off the weight of the attack. Germany was already suffering heavily from the great weight of the blows delivered by the R.A.F. night raids.

Aerial Attacks. This offensive was being carried out over German-occupied territory and Germany every day and every night. The daylight attacks . the Nazis attempted against Britain last autumn broke down under the splendid efforts of the British fighters, but the present British attacks were not breaking down. Calling for a maximum effort, Mr. Attlee said: “Let no one imagine for a moment that this issue is going to be decided by ether than ourselves. “Let nobody imagine that the fight is not deadly hard, calling for our utmost efforts of heart, hand and brain. “There is something more to fight for than citizenship cf our land. There is our hope cf the future. Slowly and stumbingly, mankind moves forward. enlarging the frontiers of freedom."