GRIM SITUATION

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23591, 27 February 1940, Page 8

GRIM SITUATION

TASK BEFORE EMPIRE NEED FOR UNITED EFFORT TALK BY SIR H. BATTERBEE [ny TELEGRAPH—OWN CORRESPONDENT] HASTINGS. Monday Unless the Allies won the war it would mean good-bye to tlie British Empire, said Sir Harry Batterbee, United Kingdom High Commissioner in New Zealand, at a function in Hastings to-day. He said that if by any chance Hitler or Stalin was to win they would carve up the world and New Zealand, like many other countries, would tall.

"That is the grim situation that we are up against," said Sir Harry. "If Ave all pull together with the Mother Country, then I'am sure we shall win, but we shall only get there if we all do our best." He declared that if Great Britain had not taken the stand she had she would have lost not only the respect of other nations, but her own respect. There was no other course left to an honourable nation," he said. "This war :is going to be the greatest test the British Empire has ever had," continued Sir Harry. "It is not going to be an easy thing." Under present conditions the Mother Country wanted all the produce it was possible for New Zealand and other Dominions to give, for in this way they would help to prosecute the war almost as much as in military aid. "I can assure you that one thing which inspires the Mother Country is the knowledge that this country and all others of the British Empire are determined to help her to tho very end," said Sir Harry. "Before we are through with the great task now confronting us there is going to be a very hard struggle. The German military machine is a strong arid powerful one. The Mother Country will want the last man and all the produce possible, but I am perfectly convinced that if every part of the Empire does contribute, then, with the help of our Ally, France, we shall win through in the end.