TONIC EFFECT IN BRITAIN

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume 77, 24 October 1942, Page 4

TONIC EFFECT IN BRITAIN

SPEECH BY GENERAL SMUTS PEOPLE THRILLED AND IMPRESSED Rugby, Oct. 23. The reactions to General Smuts's speech had a tonic effect throughout Britain Millions heard the broadcast and general comment on all sides in London to-day is that the people were thrilled and impressed. The Press universally hails it in superlatives. “The Times” refers to General Smuts’s “imperial voice” and “his authoritative judgment." “The Manchester Guardian'*’ says General Smuts encourages us ail. and the “Daily Mail” called his speech “noble.” Following so closely on Mr Churchill's and President Roosevelt's encouraging speeches and a comparison with those of the German leaders, it re-endorses innate feeling of confidence among the general public that the Allied Nations will win the war although it is realised that a bloody and perhaps sacrificial period lies ahead. There is a general feeling that hard blows will bo struck against the Axis in the coming months and that winter will bring the Axis no respite. The King held a council to-day at which General Smuts was present General Smuts later had an audience of the King and was later received by the Queen. —8.0. W.