GRIM RESOLVE

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23431, 22 August 1939, Page 9

GRIM RESOLVE

BAR TO AGGBESSION TONE OF LONDON PRESS CRITICAL DAYS LIE AHEAD STEADFAST FACING OF DANGER By Tolegrnph—Press Association—Copyright (Received August 21, 5.15 p.m.) LONDON, Aug. 21 "Mr. Chamberlain's return to London a day earlier .than was intended is is one of many signs that heightened tension and critical days lie ahead," says the Times in a leading article. "Britain, France and like-minded nations, are determined that tho German fulminations —but with the Poles as the criminals instead of the Czechs — shall not achieve their purpose. "Britain's temper nowadays is very different from that of Inst autumn. The machinery of Herr Hitler's technique lias become visible. There can bo no settlement until these methods are discarded. If the outcome is war, it will be because other countries find Herr Hitler's Germany an impossible neighbour. "Britain has given Poland a pledge from which she will not and cannot recede. She gave no such pledges to Czecho-Slovakia, whose encirclement before her destruction is paralleled by Germany's bringing of Slovakia under her control in order to pursue tho encirclement of Poland. "If Germany cannot live with her neighbours except by subjugation, then they must unite against her, with Britain by their side." The Sunday newspapers, says a British official wireless message, revealed a common awareness that the so-called "war of nerves" in Europe is now entering upon its decisive and most dangerous phase, and that the risks that the final phase may prove the prelude to a major conflagration are so serious that they must be openly but steadfastly faced. They were almost equally unanimous in the view that the hope of peace to-day resides in proclaiming for the truth they obviously believe it to be, tbe unaltering resolution of the British and French people to take up arms if, upon whatever pretext, the Axis Powers again have recourse to methods of force or intimidation.

The "veteran publicist, Mr. J. A Spender, writes in the Sunday Times:

"Last year tho British people were ready to face the grim necessity, if it had been unavoidable, of fighting with their backs to the wall in a state of comparative unpreparedness. This year they have a quiet confidence, based on their own knowledge of the immense efforts they have made in the intervening months."

DANGER OF ATTACKS HUNGARY AND POLAND FRENCH FEARS AROUSED RUSSIAN ALLIANCE URGENT Independent Cable Service LONDON, Aug. 20 It is reported that France has warned the British Government that unless a defensive alliance with Russia is concluded without further delay both Poland and Hungary will bo in immediate danger of attacks by Germany, says Reynolds' News. France is insisting tliat the British military mission to Moscow bo given full powers to roach a definite agreement, such as are possessed by the French re prescnta tives. AIR DEFENCES BRITAIN'S STRENGTH MANY SCIENTIFIC AIDS IMPORTANT INVENTIONS LONDON, Aug. 18 It is revealed by Air Chief Marshal Sir Hugh Oowding, Commander-in-Chief of the Fighter Command, that 0.'5,000 men, 1.300 aircraft, 110 guns, 700 searchlights and 100 balloons were engaged in tho recent air manoeuvres in England. "We are making very rapid progress," said Sir Hugh, "not only with regard to the performance and armament of aircraft, hut also in the matter of scientific discoveries tending to aid defence. "Tho rapidity with which -the AitMinistry's scientists are producing one invention on top of another is astonishing. Sometimes it becomes almost embarrassing because we must keep our methods of defence fluid, in order to incorporate each new device as it materialises. "Successful defence depends mainly upon what happens to tho enemy when he is intercepted, and I can confidently say I am satisfied in that respect."