DEEP IMPRESSION '

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 244, 16 October 1939, Page 3

DEEP IMPRESSION '

CHAMBERLAINS SPEECH BRITISH PRESS APPROVAL I I British Official Wireless ) Received Oct. 14. 5.5 p.m. RUGBY. Oct. 13. The measured and impressive words in which Mr. Chamberlain replied in the House of Commons to Herr Hitler’s Reichstag speech meets with the wholehearted approval of the British Press, and early reports from neutral countries indicate that its firm and unambiguous insistence on the fact that, peace conditions could not be acceptable which began by condoning aggression has made a deep impression. The Times says: ‘’Herr Hitler’s socalled terms for peace stand self-con-demned because they start from the assumption that the successful use of force can exclude from peaceful discussion the domain in which lorce has been exercised. Neverthenrs, me nations that were seeking the way of peace through all the time Herr Hitler was threatening and preparing for war will continue to seek it. In rejecting the present terms with the decision that their utter falsity requires, Mr. Chamberlain was careful to leave the way open for a genuine offer. Only, he was compelled to give or repeat his warning. There can no longer be any possibility of coming to terms unless security for their fulfilment by Germany is something much better than Herr Hitler’s word. It has been given and broken so many times that it has become utterly valueless in the judgment of every statesman in Europe. Herr Hitler’s position in Bohemia, in Slovakia, in Memel. in Dcnzig, and in Poland is based in every instance on a separate betrayal of a solemn pledge.’’ The Daily Telegraph says: “Mr. Chamberlain has never spoken wit a greater effect, or with more complete command of the sympathies ol his audience.’’ After close examination of the conditions laid down in the speech for a settled peace, the Daily Telegraph says: “It is Hitlerism alone that stands in Ihe way of peace. Realisation of that, fact has been burned into the consciousness of the British and French nations too deeply to permit of any weakening in the cause they have combined to defend.” The Daily Herald says: “The Prime Minister’s words express the mind of the British people, of the British Dominions. and ol the people of France and Britain not to accept an armisice that leaves Herr Hitler still grasping the fruits of aggression.” The News Chronicle says that Mr. Chamberlain's statement was far from being a blank negation. “The peace we are determined to secure,” it says, "must be a peace so justly framed that it will be lasting, and not an uneasy truce between wars. That peace the German people can have on one condition: they must show their sincerity by righting the wrongs they have done and by providing effective guarantees of their intention to fulfil their future obligations.” The Daily Mail says: "If Germany wants to talk we shall listen, provided we do not have to accept the word of Herr Hitler and provided we arc given firm guarantees that future underakings will be fulfilled.” PREMIER CHEERED BITTERNESS ANO SARCASM IN HIS TONES LONDON, Oct. 12. Cheering was frequent and 01. increasing intensity during the Prime Minister's speech in the House of Commons replying to Herr Hitler. Mr. Chamberlain’s manner from the beginning of his speech indicated that a firm and uncompromising pronouncement was to be expected. He stood stiffly upright, his face wadstern, and his voice was raised more than usual. As he referred to the bombings and slaughter of Poles his tone was bitter. The reference to Herr Hitler’s undertakings which have not been kept were spoke with sharp sarcasm, while there was impatience when he spoke of Herr Hitler’s desire for a conference with which he could do as he pleased. Members cheered the announcement that Britain could not accept such a basis. Loud cheers followed the Prime Minister’s final words:—“The issue is plain. Either the German Government must give convincing proof of the sincerity ot its desire for peace by definite arts and by the provision ot effective guarantees of its intention lo fulfil its undertakings. or we must persevere in our duty to the end. It is for Germany to make her choice. Mr. Chamberlain will broadcast on Saturday on the latest phase of the international situation. CALLED A LIAR “SILLIEST STATEMENT EVER .MADE” NAZI VITUPERATION LONDON. Oct. 13. The Nazi Press chief, Dr. Dietrich, addressing neutral journalists, said that Mr. Chamberlain’s statement was the silliest, ever made. An official German Press statement calls Mr. Chamberlain a liar and says that the British Empire was built up solely by force of lies. 'l'he German official radio fiercely assails Mr. Chamberlain and adds:— “England wants to destroy Germany and the German nation. Her- warmongers want to fight Germany, so we will show them how- to fight.” The Voelktscher Beobachter says that Mr. Chamberlain's speech was inspired by “international criminal warmongers.” The Allgemeine Ze Hung says that Mr. Chamberlain proved his responsibility for the war. The official German News Agency, in a long diatribe, says:—“Mr. Chamberlain left the impression that Britain desires war irrespective of anything Germany may say or offer.” The British United Press agent in Berlin says that well-informed Nazis predict early Germano-Russian consultations. into which Italy may also be drawn for the purpose of a joint I declaration |