BRITAIN WILL CHOOSE TIME TO STRIKE

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 84, Issue 68, 21 March 1940, Page 5

BRITAIN WILL CHOOSE TIME TO STRIKE

ALLIES’ CONDUCT OF WAR CHAMBERLAIN REPLIES TO CRITICISM POWER TO AID FINLAND NOT YET AT AN END ( British Official Wireless.! Received .March 20, 6.5 p.m. RUGBY, March 19. The French, Turkish, Belgian, Argentine, United States, Chinese, Spanish and Russian Ambassadors were present in a crowded House when the Premier made a statement at the opening- of the House of Commons debate on the progress and conduct of the war. .Mr. Chamberlain dealt first with the ‘’great tragedy” of ! inland, the collapse of whose resistance gave a profound shock throughout the world. The peaee terms were such as could only hav£ been accepted by a proud people like the Finns under dire compulsion for they greatly compromised their independence and integrity. Their heroic stand had not been in vain, for they had won the respect of the whole world. The Government which fought the war still held office, the army was intact, and the spirit of the people unbroken and, added Mr. Chamberlain, amid cheers, though Britain had been unable to save Finland, perhaps her power to help her was not yet at an end. Britain would take its share with others in the regeneration of Finland. After speaking of Germany’s inescapable responsibility since, the Soviet invasion of Finland was the outcome of the Moscow pact, and it was German threats which '‘terrified the Scandinavian countries into withholding help which might perhaps have saved her,’’ Mr. Chamberlain declared that the suggestion that the Allies had failed to the utmost to help could not for one moment be maintained. Referring to criticisms of the conduct of the war, Mr. Chamberlain said the time and place for the Allies to strike would have to be decided upon with all the expert advice available, but no chances would be taken or rash adventures embarked upon. Referring to rumours of peace proposals, he said the Allies would not be diverted from the purpose for which they had entered the war. Mr. Chamberlain said the suggestions that Britain was out- ' witted at every turn were not conducive to victory, nor was the statement that supplies were pouring through the blockade. The Navy and the Royal Air Force were keeping- a continuous watch in Norwegian waters, and if German ships were violating those waters we would not hesitate to enter ami attack.