THE WAR CRISIS

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21180, 29 October 1938, Page 22

THE WAR CRISIS

Dark Days in England

Anxiety of the People The following article, specially written for "The Timaru Herald" by Dr. Winifred Howard, gives a graphic description of the reaction of the people of England to the grim prospect of war: — "I’m writing this because I want to give you, and perhaps other people in New Zealand, an idea of the subtler shades of opinion in England. You get the ‘official’ viewpoint very well put, but I think you sometimes find us a little difficult to understand because you get few of the cross-currents of opinion that count for so much in a democratic country.

“I’m not going deeply into the development of the crisis. Most, people now realise that the Sudeten demands had a basis of truth. They were excluded from many offices and had appealed to the League of Nations without result. Mr Harold Nicholson made it clear last night that there were two issues—the well-founded demands of the Sudetens for control of their own destinies — which Great Britain and France realised and the intention of Germany, which only became clear after Mr Chamberlain’s second visit, to destroy the life of the Czecho-Slovak state. We all feel clearly, I think, that the issue is as to whether Germany is to be in all cases the judge in her own cause. It is a dangerous doctrine to range at large in the world. Hitler stresses continually that this is the last time (but did he not say two years ago that the ‘Period of Surprises’ was over?) and that we are fighting over a matter of words .... the method of evacuation. Liking For Germans “What makes the conception of war between England and Germany so fantastic is the genuine liking that has grown up between the two peoples. Germany is a favourite holiday place for English tourists, and every intelligent person comes back with a very deep appreciation of their kindness and charm. Germans are forbidden to spend more than 16 marks, I think, in this country, which prevents their experiencing our hospitality to the same extent. There have been several visits of boats on ‘Kraft durch Freude’ cruises. The order-loving German is attracted by English initiative, and the rather ‘dour’ English by the German love of life.

“It is fantastic to think of fighting so many friends; but there it is. Since the great war the two peoples have learned to know and to love each other’s countries so well. I think the bond is stronger than between any other peoples. I have no hatred and I know of no none who ‘hates the Germans,’ as I can remember many people ‘hating’ them in 1914. Tire bitterness has utterly disappeared and I cannot imagine that propaganda can again revive it: we know the fault lies with Germany’s leaders and perhaps a little with our own. My own regret is that we were not earlier in realising the value of a good understanding with Russia, for her value in holding the eastern flank of Germany is Immense. She is at the present moment the only power able to help Czecho-Slovakia. •- Currents of Opinion “Now as to the currents of opinion. For a long time ordinary political groupings have been confused. The Labour Party, except for the Pacifist wing, has been most keen for war against the ‘dictators’ —they are almost enthusiastically keen about war and believe that Mr Chamberlain played the huckster In his first interview with Hitler. I cannot agree with them in this. I was no admirer of the National Government but I am convinced of Mr Chamberlain’s deep sincerity. The Conservatives have been curiously silent: there have been few of those appeals to patriotic sentimentalism of which they were so free in the last war. They are deeply and quietly stirred.

“I do not believe that war is worth the candle—ever, but I do think that war will rally the lukewarm In Germany to Hitler. Even if Germany had pursued her ‘drive’ to the south-east, even though she were successful, I think that the regime would ultimately break up from within. I do not know how strong Pacifism is, but I have a deep respect for the Pacifists that I have met. The most ardent of them have long since made the decision that they even will take no part in air raid precautions. I do not agree: I wifi not take life, nor help others to take life, but I shall do my utmost to preserve it by all means possible by air raid precautions or other measures. lam old enough to remember the events leading to August, 1914. There are some parallels, but the most striking contrast is the absence of any hatred of Germany; and I know there is no hatred In their hearts towards us. This will be the most tragic of all wars—we do not even hate.

War Preparation “There are four days now before we plunge into what seems the end of the world. Yesterday and to-day have been some of the loveliest days of the year; bright mild autumn days. It’s much too good to die! All day long the aeroplanes have been flying overhead, but now that darkness has come, there is respite. I have never been so grateful for the wireless. Last week, as it happened, I was broadcasting myself, and I was told that if I did not stop before time, I should be faded out, as there was important news. Yesterday I listened to Hitler’s speech and I know enough German to realise, as he was speaking, that he was leaving hardly any way out but war. He shouted madly, and was echoed madly by enthusiastic cheers. To-day, Mr Chamberlain spoke. There could not have been a greater contrast—and yet, as he began, very gravely, I knew that hope was going. Earlier in the day, I had listened to the Queen’s pleasant voice at the launching of the ‘Queen Elizabeth’—almost a side-issue in the scale of values that are being thrust upon us.

“I’ve been out and about the town to-day; I think I realised twenty-four hours sooner that most people how critical the situation had become. They were just facing up to it to-day. I found it impossible to put through a trunk call to my home. Soldiers with kit have been passing, on the way to the station. In the afternoon I went to the Town Hall to give in my appllca-

tion for employment as an emergency driver. In the evening I went to draw my ticket for a gas mask, which will be available to-morrow. There are no masks yet for children under four. In the last news, I have just heard that women between the ages of 18 and 45 are Invited to join the drivers, ambulance, or general units of the territorial army for front-line service at home or abroad. There is a local service for women up to the age of 50. To think that so little separates us from peace. I was a Pacifist and would not take life, not even in self defence. But I am a fighter. I am joining up for front-line service.”