The Pahiatua Herald. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1940. ENGLAND’S DEFENCE.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIX, Issue 14473, 28 June 1940, Page 4

The Pahiatua Herald. PUBLISHED EVERY EVENING FRIDAY, JUNE 28, 1940. ENGLAND’S DEFENCE.

Some evidence there is abroad, of apprehension as to the future arising from the present conflict. Great Britain now stands more or less alone, but undaunted and determined to finish a war which she started in the cause of freedom. Great Britain came into this war on account of other nations, initially Poland, and the panorama of events has led up to the defection of France. whose case, so far as the defence of the smaller European nations is concerned, was more obligatory than Britain’s. Now, oui forces which had hitherto been spread over Western Europe, are concentrated at Home. The Secretary of State for War, Mr Anthony Eden, has stated that after attacking the outposts of liberty, Germany would launch air attack on the main citadel. Already there had been bombing attacks at night, but he was convinced that they would be repulsed. Moreover, there is already evidence that Britain is carrying war into the enemy territory. There have been terrific R.A.F. and naval air arm iaids over the Ruhr and Western Germany. These attacks have been continuing during the past few months and cannot but have a grave effect upon the moral of the German people. Germany is at the present time akin to the pugilist who has just emerged the victor from the fray, but who is about to be assailed hv another fresh in the ring. Great Britain is now better prepared than she wa. s at the beginning o-f the war. Mr Anthony Eden has stated that Great Britain would be able to subject the enemy to constant and heavy attacks from the air. Not only are we already well equipped in this connection, as was pointed out by Lord Beaver brook within the last twentyfour hours, but supplies of American planes are daily landing in, Englancr. Germany seeks a war from the air, but to carry that out to a final conclusion. vast supplies of machines and petrol supplies are needed. She must inevitably be growing short of both, while Great Britain is adding to her strength in this direction every hour. The chief question occupying the minds of the public at the moment is as to the whereabouts of the French fleet. While Great Britain has made no claim to its capture it is equally interesting to note that neither has the Gorman radio made any claim to possession thereof albeit a clause demanding its being handed over to Germany, was articled in the terms of the armistice. Whatever may be the ultimate disposition of the French naval Forces, wo are inclined to the supposition that in the event of a major naval issue, the French navy will ether be fighting under tbe white ensign or it will be located where no great harm ran come from its interposition.