FIRM STAND

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23275, 18 February 1939, Page 13

FIRM STAND

VITAL INTERESTS STRONG BRITAIN MORE SECUKE FEELING PROSPECTS OF PEACE By Telegraph—Press Association—Copyright (Received February 17, 5.5 p.m.) LONDON, Feb. 17 In the course of a public speech Sir John Simon, Chancellor of the Exchequer, said: "We are not prepared to surrender any of our vital interests in the pursuit of peace. There is an increasing feeling •throughout the country regarding the prospects of peace. "This more secure feeling results, firstly, from the knowledge that Britain is growing stronger every day and that the people are prepared to shoulder any and every burden necessary for security. Secondly, it arises from the close and warm understanding between Britain and France. "Thirdly, it results from the good relations with the United States, and, fourthly, from the prospects of an early ending of tho Spanish war. Above all, it results from the determination with which Mr. Chamberlain pursued the promotion of understanding with others, whatever their form of government." Sir John Simon added that Britain's rearmament was not aggressive. Britain would welcome the day when a general reduction of armaments was effectively secured by international agreement, thus enabling labour and capital to be devoted to works of peace. POSITION OF EIRE NEUTRALITY IMPOSSIBLE DEFENCE STEPS NECESSARY MR. DE VALERA'S ASSERTION (Received February 17, 10.30 p.m.) DUBLIN, Feb. 17 It was impossible for Eire to remain neutral in the event of war between Britain and another country, said the President, Mr. de*Valcra, in the debate on the defence estimates in the Dail. As long as any part of Ireland was occupied by the British there would always be a section wishing for Britain's downfall, in the hope of regaining Irish freedom. Nevertheless, any enemy of Britain would aim at cutting off food supplies, and would bo likely to bomb Irish ports. Therefore it was essential that Ireland should be ready to defend herself, in order that, in the event of war, she could continue to trade with England in cattle and other products. The greater part of the money for defence would be spent on aeroplanes and antiaircraft- guns.

The Leader of the Opposition, Mr. W. T. Cosgrave, announced that his party would vote against the estimates (of £5,500,000), which he considered wildly extravagant. Subsequently, however, the estimates were passed by 26 votes to 39. AIR RAID SHELTERS GARAGES IN PEACE TIME (Received February 17, 5.5 p.m.) LONIOIS. Feb. 17

Speaking in the House of Lords, the Earl of Birkenhead said Government experts were considering the possibilities of underground garages to be used in wartime as air raid shelters.