OUTLOOK FOR 1943

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLXII, Issue 15243, 8 January 1943, Page 4

OUTLOOK FOR 1943

BRITISH CONFIDENCE. LONDON, December 29. Britain feces 194 J in a very different mood than that when 1942 began. The uncertainty and foreboding then predominant have been followed by a desire to hit back, whatever the odds. To say to-day that the average Britisher is confident of final victory over the Axis is to state the obvious, and the chief question in his mind now is ‘ How long” instead of “Can we win?” Confidence in the power of the 'Allies goes hand in hand with increased confidence in his own forces. For instance, the recent British Army’s successes were an important psychological reaction. The Royal Navy and R.A.F. are always regarded with confidence, but until recently there was not the same feeling regarding the army, which was hastily assembled, and indifferently equipped and armed. It had excelled chiefly in masterly retreats. The very mention of generals suggested a cheap joke. Today that atmosphere has evaporated. The Britisher is equally as proud of the Army as he is of the other Forces and this has had an excellent effect? It would be wroug even to suggest that the stand;:rd oi living of the people generally is other thau good. This is important from the view of morale and cannot be lightly regarded in the fourth year of the war. The inter-domestic problems of manpower, both for the Forces and industry, are likely to conti uue to be the major problems and there is a realisation that in the coming year there may be a heavy toll of life, whereto the nation instinctively is steeling itself. There will probably be further restrictions regarding food, clothing, and fuel, but no man in the street would suggest the borderline \et been reached. There is a feeling that British politics will be full of interest, particuarly regarding what may happen after the war and what preparations will be made. Reconstruction both international and national, promises to rank with great importance. It is opined that a serious controversy will develop about the maintenance of direct economic controls beyond the war’s end because industry, trade, finance, and labour are “heartily tired of being ordered about." It is realised that there will be an extreme shortage of consumer goods and an enormous pent up purchasing power so that reconstruction and export will be swamped unless other demands are held back. On the other hand it is argued that some freedom is necessary for private initiative if the adjustment of industry to peace production is to be carried out efficiently and quickly. The Beveridge Plan will undoubtedly be subject to much discussion and it is reported that strong opposition is being prepared. Thero are likely to be two arguments—shall Britain return to commercial and industrial prosperity before instituting social reforms. or shad there be immediate action? Growing interest is being taken in America’s post-war role. Then' is some concern lest America should repeat the 1918 return towards isolationism, rejecting inter national cooperation. There is also a feeling that American big business has grandiose ambitions, also that thevi* is a tendency towards imperialistic nationalism. It is sincerely hoped that there will bo an improved mutual understanding in Anglo-Ameri-can problems, difficulties, and viewpoints during the coming year.

1943 will undoubtedly be a year of important events and decisions.