GRAVE ALARM

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23117, 16 August 1938, Page 9

GRAVE ALARM

FEELING IN BRITAIN DEMAND FOR TRUTH "PUBLIC NOT TOLD" NEWSPAPER'S ATTACK - *'(Received August 15, G. 30 p.m.) LONDON, August 15 The real feeling in British official circles is one of serious apprehension, says the News Chronicle. There are no grounds -for assuming that Europe is entering times suitable for easier breathing. It is considered the disruption and expense of the German mobilisation is out of all proportion if she \vishe3 merely to attempt the intimidation of London, Paris and Prague. Under the heading: "Tell TJs the Truth," the News Chronicle says, in a leading article: ' "It has been t e policy of Downing Street for weeks to fob us off with _ unsupported reassurances regarding the European situation. , "It is known that high-placed and well-informed opinion takes a very different view. The public does not know the truth and is not being allowed to know it. It is plainly untrue that there , is jqo cause for anxiety. "We are entitled to know the facts. "Whitehall and Downing Street must know more than they have said. ''The time has come to express an opinion. It is better to face the facts even if they are gloomy, than to find ourselves without warning plunged into another August, 1914. "If war is near, the common people have the right to be told. A firm statement by the Prime Minister, Mr. Chamberlain, on the Government s views of the crisis, and its attitude in the event of an emergency would have a steadying effect at homo and in Europe, not tho least in the I* ascist capitals."