CONSTRUCTION OF “NEW WORLD”

Southland Times, Issue 23948, 14 October 1939, Page 5

CONSTRUCTION OF “NEW WORLD”

Based On Principles Of Democracy LABOUR PARTY’S OPINION EXPRESSED (British Official Wireless) RUGBY, October 12. Speaking in the House of Commons, the Leader of the Labour Opposition (Mr C. R. Attlee) said that Labour adhered to the party’s declared policy of disarmament and collective security. “We must get a new world. We must get a new Europe in which the rights of all nations are recognized,” he said. “I was glad to hear Mr Chamberlain say that we should do it in consultation with the German people. We are standing for a Europe in which, while the German people will have their rights, all the other nations will have their rights too. “We believe that we can build up a new world; but it must be a world based on the principles of democracy which demands that the people nf one country should regard the rights of others as well as their own rights. “I think we should let the German people know the choice before them,” said Mr Attlee. “It is not a choice of being defeated in war and of disappearing as effective members of the European comity of nations. They have the choice of stopping this war. They have the choice of contributing to a better Europe. “We must pursue the struggle with resolution because a patched-up peace would only lead to another war and leave an uneasy world staggering under the huge burden of armaments. We must see that we come out of this struggle with nothing less than a new world.”

The Leader of the Liberal Opposition (CT Archibald Sinclair) said: “We have the right and the duty to condemn manifestations of barbarism but it is not for us to chastize another people for their form of Government. The German people must have the means of setting their own house in order but they must cease to impose their tyranny on their neighbours. “Mr Chamberlain today proclaimed that we are fighting for the liberation of Europe from Nazi tyranny. I would like him to add: ‘And also liberation from the burden and the danger of national armaments and for the rebuilding of a European order based on law, justice and good faith’.” OPPOSITION LEADERS’ APPROVAL MR CHAMBERLAIN’S STERN PRONOUNCEMENT LONDON, October 12. Mr Chamberlain’s manner from the beginning of his speech indicated that a firm and uncompromising pronouncement could be expected. He stood stiffly upright, his face stern and his voice raised more than usual. As he referred to the Polish bombings and slaughter his tone became bitter and his references to Herr Hitler’s undertakings, which were not kept, were spoken

with sharp sarcasm while there was impatience when he spoke of Herr Hitler’s desire for a conference with which he could do as he pleased. Members cheered the announcement that Britain would not accept such a basis. The cheers were frequent and increasing in intensity. The subsequent debate in the House of Commons and the House of Lords also, the latter following a statement by the Foreign Secretary (Viscount Halifax) similar to that given by Mr Chamberlain, showed not. only a close approximation in the attitude of the party leaders but was without divergence to a quite unusual degree in the views of the individual speakers NO GAS SUPPLIED TO POLAND

LONDON, October 12.

With reference to the report in circulation from Berlin that. the Polish troops employed yellow cross gas mines obtained from Britain, it is authoritatively stated in London that no gas in any form whatever has been supplied at any time to Poland by Britain.