FREE DISCUSSION

Timaru Herald, Volume CXLIX, Issue 21969, 22 May 1941, Page 5

FREE DISCUSSION

Powerful Factor In Victory

(Rec. 6.53 p.m.) RUGBY, May 20. Mr H. B. Lees-Smith, the wellknown Labour Member of Parliament in a broadcast speech said: On the day that Herr Hess flew to this country Hitler destroyed the House of Commons —the bone and heart of the unity of Britain. He understands us so little that he thinks by destroying a building he can destroy the spirit It contains. He has always derided what he described as our decadent parliamentary system but now Parliament can give Its reply. “The Nazi system has lasted for about eight years and when, like the British Parliament, it has weathered the storms of about 800 years, he can begin to discuss which of the two will to the end show the greater staying power. Thank God for Parliament and the free discussion for which It stands. It will be the main factor to winning the war. Take for example—why is the United States drawing nearer and nearer every day to our side? It is not merely on account of the careful calculation of her own eventual safety but because they have come to see that our system of government to open Prrliament represents the way of life of all free men and that they cannot continue to stand by without lifting a finger and watch us alone to a world protecting for them their liberty as well as our own.”