Menace of Aggressor States

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLV, Issue 21308, 30 March 1939, Page 7

Menace of Aggressor States

Plea For United Front In Britain

Significance of Dictators’ Acts and Utterances

More Vigorous Foreign Policy Demanded

British Official Wireless (Received March 29, 5.5 p.m.) RUGBY, March 28. A plea for closer working between all political parties in face of the menace of aggressor States was made in a speech to-day by Mr A. R. Duff-Cooper (former First Lord of the Admiralty). Referring to Signor Mussolini’s speech, Mr DuffCooper said that had such language been heard ten years ago it would have provoked horror. The story that Herr Hitler wanted only to unite the Germans in Germany had now been exposed and exploded by himself, with neither excuse nor apology. The time had therefore come for resistance. He thought war could still be avoided, but only by swift, resolute and united action.

Referring to the need for political unity, Mr Duff-Cooper urged that other Parties should be asked to share in the task of the National Government. The sight of all Parties rallying under one leader would have a heartening effect throughout the world. He thought it desirable also to form a smaller body within the whole Cabinet, in order to secure rapidity of decision. Thirty-four Government supporters, including Mr Anthony Eden (former Foreign Secretary), Mr A. Duff-Cooper, Mr Winston Churchill, Mr L. C. Amery, Lord Wolmer and Sir Roger Keyes, have tabled a motion in the House of Commons, reading as follows: “In view of the grave dangers threatening Great Britain and the Empire, following the successful acts of aggression in Europe and the increasing pressure on smaller States, these menaces can only be met successfully by the vigorous prosecution of the foreign policy outlined by Lord Halifax, for which a National Government should be formed on the widest possible basis and entrusted with full powers over the nation’s industry, wealth and man-power to enable the country to put forward the maximum military effort in the shortest possible time.”

Lord Buckmaster has tabled a motion in the House of Lords for May 5, in favour of compulsory national service for home defence only. It is learned from a high diplomatic source that the attitude of the British Government is stiffening against aggression.

It is understood that Russia has intimated that she is prepared to enter an automatic Anti-aggression Pact applicable either to Eastern or Western Europe, giving formal guarantees and commitments.

It is believed that Great Britain is also favourably considering giving Poland necessary guarantees.