ADVANCE GUARD

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXXIII, 10 January 1940, Page 5

ADVANCE GUARD

PRESENT BRITISH EXPEDITIONARY FORCE NUMBERS WILL INCREASE DAILY LONDON, Bth January. The Minister of Supply, Dr Leslie Burgin, broadcasting to France, said that the present British expeditionary force was merely an advance guard. “The number of British soldiers in France will increase daily,” he said. “You will see column after column arriving. Germans will perhaps see more than they will like. Let our enemies not only count our numbers, but also reflect on the quality of our guns and mechanised vehicles. Let them realise the determination of our In an appreciation of Anglo-French unity, Dr Burgin said Britain and France were united by the same feelings and striving for the same ends. “It cannot be denied that our team spirit will overcome every real political problem which is no longer in accord with reality,” he said. “We have been promised a totalitarian war. We accepted the challenge, and we bring to the struggle all the force and energy of our financial reserves. We received with enthusiasm the news that France and Britain were pooling resources. It is not easy to measure the resources of my country. Where in the whole world can you find anything to compare with the great wealth, diversity and solidity of British resources?”

Concluding, he said: “I have, like you, unshakable confidence in victory. We are fighting at your side, and whatever violence the enemy may let loose, we will be true to your motto and with you we repeat, ‘On ne passe pas.’ ”