NO WEAKENING

Otago Daily Times, Issue 24327, 18 June 1940, Page 7

NO WEAKENING

BRITAIN DETERMINED CONTINUING THE STRUGGLE BLOCKADE MORE EFFECTIVE ‘British Official Wireless) (United Press Association) (By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) RUGBY. June 16. The following statement was made by authoritative quarters this evening:—“At a time like the present it is natural that there should be baseless and ill-informed rumours of peace proposals and peace negotiations. It cannot be too clearly and definitely stated that Great Britain is firmly, resolutely, and determined to continue the struggle until victory has been won. Even if France's resistance on land were seriously weakened she still has the most powerful navy in. Europe after the British, and this great Allied fleet is fully capable of enforcing the blockade. which has become more than ever effective as the result of Italy’s entry into the war. ■ “ Germany has used up her resources on a reckless scale in the present offensive. though these reserves may not yet be exhausted. Unless she can defeat the British Empire and its Allies

within a few months her chance of defeating them at all will have vanished. The tremendous resources of the British and French Empires, together with those which the United States have placed at the disposal of the Allies, will play a weightier part with each week that passes. “As week succeeds week the manpower of Britain takes its, place in the struggle with ever-increasing momentum. In. the last five weeks more men have been called up tjian in any corresponding period in our history. The figure already attained is certain to be largely exceeded in the future. "The production of aeroplanes,.arms, and munitions continues to increase at a great pace. Supplies from America are now arriving in substantial quantities, and will soon be coming as fast as'*our ports can deal with them. “ Unlike the enemy, whose only hope of victory rests on defeating the Allies within a few weeks or months, we are prepared to continue the war just as long as may be necessary to secure the downfall of our opponent, even though it may take years to accomplish that task. In their unshaken determination to achieve victory no matter at what cost, the Governments of the Empire have the united support of their peoples.”