GRIM DRIVE

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLVIII, Issue 21702, 10 July 1940, Page 5

GRIM DRIVE

Britain And Defence Complacency Shattered LONDON. June 21. The complacency of Britain is being shattered rapidly but it has needed one savage disillusion after another to wake up the country. A grim kind of contest is going on between the remnants of complacency and the march of events. There is an abundance of heartening signs that the nation’s determination to make this sturdy garrison impregnable to the enemy’s worst assault will outstrip the march of events. It is believed that drastic proposals to increase Britain’s island security are being studied by the Ministries very carefully since yesterday’s secret session of the House of Commons. This session was so successful that it is stated that there is likely to be another next week. Although no member will be allowed to divulge the proceedings anywhere or at any time, it is believed that most serving members are anxious to drive the Government forward to a greater effort than is probably at present contemplated. Learning Tardy Lesson There is a black side to Britain’s preparedness, in which the fact stands out that in many branches of armament. qualitative and quantitative inferiority was revealed when the B.E.F. went into action in France. There is also a bright side, in which in equally bold relief the signs are plain that Britain is tardily learning a lesson from the tragic mistakes that Britain and France perpetrated in the early days of the blitzkrieg against France. Questions which have been uppermost since the collapse of French resistance are: “Can Germany defeat us?” and “Can we defeat Germany?” As Mr Churchill declared in the House of Commons on Tuesday, the first question is the one alone with which the Empire is immediately concerned. Reaction to Mr Churchill’s survey, in which he omitted no relevant factor, minimised no danger and was tempted at no point into facile optimism, is that the Empire can defeat Germany if our resolution is equal to the worst we may have to confront. Weaknesses Known On certain points the critics think that Mr Churchill’s survey may be questioned, for instance, when he declared that the German success definitely increases the power of our long-distance blockade. It is suggested that he was expressing a view which few experts in that field would endorse. and was making little or no allowance for resources in coal, iron ore, and probably petrol which the conquest of France puts at Hitler’s disposal. “The Spectator” comments: “If Mr Churchill’s survey seems unduly sanguine in this respect, and if he took too little account of the possibility that French aeroplane factories with their considerably increased production, may soon be feeding the German forces, and not the Allied, the general soundness of his assessment is not affected.” It is recognised that the time is desperately short in which mistakes can be rectified, and harsh lessons turned to profit, but at last the nation knows its weakness—that it allowed complacency and old ideals to rob it of any appreciation of the necessity for lucidity and daring—tw T o qualitiets above all others which it is now trying to cultivate to the utmost. Many people feel burning indignation against former leaders for the pass in which the nation finds itself in the gravest hur in its history, but, like Mr Churchill, they feel that the time for recrimination has not yet come. Nevertheless, Miss Rebecca West, in an article in “Time and Tide,” expresses acidly view’s not infrequently heard. Noting Lady Baldwins suggestion that the flag of our Patron Saint should be hung from every church tow’er in England she comments: “Excellent wife that she is, she probably wrote with the intention of forestalling those who w r ould like to use Lord Baldwin for that purpose on their particular church tower.” Treasury Blamed “The Economist,” criticising the selection of Sir Kingsley Wood as Chancellor of the Exchequer says: “If the bureaucratic machine is running sluggishly, if there is delay, timidity, and half-heartedness, the remedy is to be found at the Treasury as much as No. 10 Downing Street, and if Sir Kingsley Wood’s appointment was the price paid for the continued support of that section of the Conservative Party which formed the Chamberlain Government, then the price is too heavy.” The working people throughout Britain are rallying magnificently to the call to make good the lack of materials —aeroplanes, arms, and munitions —and are proving themselves worthy of the fighting forces. Work is proceeding everywhere night and day, on Sundays and on week-days. In three divisions of economic policy —supply, labour and finance —new arrangements are inspiring confidence since the excellent beginnings made with the new policy of distributing labour by orderly planning instead of competitive chaos. The extent of the real speed-up taking place in the mobilisation of manpower for military service is indicated by the fact that four classes are being registered in July, bringing the total registered to over 4,000,000. There is an ample supply of instructors not only among those who have had experience of battle recently, but also among ex-service men. The newspapers are pointing out that when the full blast of the storm breaks on Britain there will be urgent work for all hands, and that it is the task of the authorities w’ho are organising defence to see that work and hands are brought together. Everyone a Part to Play There is evidence on all sides that the British public is awakening to a realisation that eve«y individual has a responsible part to play in defending the homeland, w’hich may be attacked at any moment. Thousands are attending the ARP. exhibition in London, which illustrates how the individual must fend for himself during bombing emergencies. Fifteen million first aid leaflets are being distributed to householders throughout Britain, and many more than can be accommodated have enrolled for first aid classes. Thousands are responding to appeals to be tested for blood transfusion. All adults are wearing wristlet identity discs. It is compulsory’ to have a label with one’s name and address attached to one’s clothing. The Ministry of Agriculture has issued pamphlets of instruction for keeping poultry, rabbits, and pigs. It i‘ expected that thounds of suburban housewives will thus be able to increase their food supplies.