AID TO RUSSIA JUSTIFIED

Southland Times, Issue 24655, 29 January 1942, Page 5

AID TO RUSSIA JUSTIFIED

Mr Churchill then went on to survey the war situation. “Three or four months ago we had to cope with the following situation, he said. “The German invaders were advancing and blasting their way through Russia. The Russians were resisting with the utmost heroism but no-one could tell what would happen. No one could tell whether Leningrad, Moscow or Rostov would fall or where the German winter line would be established. No-one can tell where the German winter line will be established now, but now the boot is on the other foot. We are all agreed that we must aid the valiant Russian armies to the utmost limit of our powers. “His Majesty’s Government thought, and Parliament upon reflection agreed, that the best aid we could give Russia was in supplies of many kinds of war materials and munitions, particularly tanks and aircraft. Our forces at home and abroad had for a long time been waiting thirstily for these weapons. At last they were coming to hand in large numbers.

“This was a decision of major

strategy and policy. No one can say but that it was right. When they watched the powerful achievement unhoped for and undreamed of by us we little knew the Russian strength, but that made it all the more glorious. Our munitions were of course not only a contribution to the Russian victories, but they were an encouragement in Russia’s darkest hour.

After reviewing recent events in the Middle East, Mr Churchill said: “I cannot tell what the position is at the present moment on the Western Front in Cyrenaica. We have very daring opponents against us, and, if I may say so in the havoc of war, a great general. He has certainly received reinforcements and another battle is even now in progress. However, not only has the enemy lost nearly three times our losses on the battlefield, but the blue waters of the Mediterranean have, thanks to the enterprise of the Royal Navy, our submarines and Air Force, drowned a large number of reinforcements which have been continuously sent. This process has had further important success during the last few days. “I would characterize the campaign as a highly profitable transaction; certainly it is an episode of the war most glorious to the British, South African, New Zealand, Indian, Free French and Polish soldiers and airmen who played a part in it. The prolonged, stubborn, steadfast and successful defence, of Tobruk by Australian and British troops for seven hard months was an essential preliminary to any success.

“For what has happened in the meanwhile on other banks of the Nile Valley, in Palestine, Iraq and Persia, we must thank Russia. The valour of the Russian Army has warded off the danger which undoubtedly we ran.