BEHIND THE NEWS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 25364, 23 October 1943, Page 5

BEHIND THE NEWS

BRITISH PUBLIC OPINION “FIVE SENATORS’” STATEMENT (N.Z.P.A. Special Correspondent) (Rec. 8 p.m.) LONDON, Oct. 21. - Few recent events have given more pleasure throughout Britain than the impending return of 5000 prisoners of war, especially the wounded, from Germany. Arrangements for their reception include their sending free telegrams to relations as soon as they arrive at a British port. The wounded will be sent to a special hospital. It is understood that no New Zealanders are arriving in Britain, but are going to the Middle East. The exact number is not yet known in London.

Not unnaturally, a topic of recent conversation has been the comments of the American “ five Senators,” as they are dubbed, and their statements regarding Britain. Although there has been much newspaper comment, the average man in the street appears to have paid comparatively little attention to the statement, probably because he is so used to hearing Britain criticised, and because he, too, is always criticising, especially the Government. Mr Churchill’s refusal to indulge in a “wordy warfare” has been endorsed. It is likely that the reason why the Senators’ comments aroused the attention they did was not so much resentment of the criticism itself, but the fact that the criticism might possibly lead towards some estrangement between Britain and the United States at a time when it was important that there should be no misunderstanding. One comment which has caused some smiles was the suggestion that Britain was “out-smarting America.” The man in the street has so long regarded his own Government as always “muddling through,” and has heard so much of American “ efficiency ” that he is more inclined to believe the boot is on the other foot, and that America, especially regarding civil aviation, is preparing to leave this country far behind in the post-war world. Judged by reported American newspaper comment, the incident has probably done some good, since it appears to have emphasised Britain’s fine part in the war.

In spite of Mr Churchill’s House of Commons statement on the coal situation last week, there is a feeling that the position has not changed, and that what is required is a technical overhaul of the industry and the introduction of more up-to-date methods in the mines, but the prominent question of coal seems to have been glossed over. If Britain has a severe winter it will undoubtedly again crop up. The call of the Archbishops of Canterbury and York for a stand against promiscuity is receiving wide attention. It endorses previous outspoken statements on the war’s effect on young people, and fears for their future. Whether this tendency is more pronounced in Britain than in any other countries or during previous wars is open to question, but this country’s leaders are hoping that public opinion may be formed to combat the menace. The flat racing season which has just ended was notable for heavy backing. One bookmaker said: “ Betters have been backing up to five and six limes the amounts they put up before the war. The ante-post betting on the Derby was the heaviest I have known. Generally it has been a winning season for the book. Business in the ring has been terrific. Ours has improved at least 50 per cent."