REPLY TO GERMAN CHALLENGE

Waikato Times, Volume 126, Issue 21082, 8 April 1940, Page 6

REPLY TO GERMAN CHALLENGE

General Sir Edmund Ironside’s blunt invitation to the German Army to “have a go at the Western Front” is something that has not been heard from public men in responsible positions in Britain for some time, and it is not surprising that his statement has caused an “uproar.” However indiscreet it might be, there is something hearty and confident about it which at least indicates that the Chief of the Imperial General Staff now believes Britain is ready for any emergency. It may be asked why, if Britain is so confident, she does not herself “have a go at the Western Front,” but it should be remembered that Germany and not Britain is the aggressor. General Ironside admits that until recently he was uneasy about the strength of the British Army, weakened as it was by years of attempting disarmament. But now that the difficulty has been overcome it is apparent, from a fighting point of view, that the very “newness” of the Army is an asset of incalculable value. Every unit is equipped with the finest weapons that science can devise, and all up-to-date. General Ironside, usually a very silent soldier, now says, “I think the British Army is the finest in the world.” His estimate may not be very wide of the mark. Britain, of course, still has fewer men under arms than Germany or France, but her strength is expanding rapidly, and others besides General Ironside are fully aware that the British Army is living up to its traditions. There is a thing called “bragging” \»hich makes brave men shy. Careful thought should be given to the position before General Ironside is accused of that fault. He at least has held his peace until he has felt confident of being able to substantiate his own claims. His enemy across the Rhine, however, has been breathing fire and slaughter ever since the Allies decided to bar his way. Hitler and his lieutenants have reiterated times without number that they will smash the Allies and before the summer is out partition Britain under “gauleiters.” There is something rather human and natural in General Ironside’s reply, “You are welcome to have ago at it.” Whether the invitation will tempt Germany to take the British General at his word remains to be seen. It is more likely that the immediate reaction will be purely verbal.