The Waikato Times WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 1940 CHURCHILL'S INSPIRATION

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21167, 17 July 1940, Page 6

The Waikato Times WEDNESDAY, JULY 17, 1940 CHURCHILL'S INSPIRATION

In these days when the weapons of war are so diverse, when the play of fear or persuasion or false promises upon the minds of a nation may render that nation an easy prey to the enemy, leadership that will inspire and consolidate and express the soul of the people is an asset of incalculable value. In the successful defence of Britain and in the offensive action that must follow to overthrow the German tyrant, ail that is loyal, faithful to the high purpose of the nation and true to British traditions and aspirations must be crystallised in a national policy and given expression so that it can be understood and appreciated by every man, woman and child. Because of his extraordinary ability to give expression to that national spirit Winston Churchill is performing magnificent service to the British Empire. This war is as much a clash of wills as of arms. The hypnosis of Hitler’s power and splendour has proved fatal already to a long list of formerly independent peoples. They have wilted before the Nazis as much from mental inertness as from the force of arms. They lacked the resolution engendered by a clear conception of a legitimate destiny within their own keeping. They were no longer captains of their own souls, confident in the righteousness of their own cause or inspired by faith in their ability to smash the evil thing which was overwhelming their neighbours. What these people lacked, Churchill has given to the British race in ample measure. Here is a roaring lion, confident of his own strength and in the quality of his cause, hurling defiance at the enemy and inspiring his people to fight and to conquer. He has crystallised and given expression to the real soul of Britain.

Something had to be done to revive the flagging spirits of millions of people who had passed under the spell of Nazi domination. Something had to be dope to reassure the neutral peoples and these who were wavering in a state of semi-neutrality that in the path of the Nazi tide there was a rock that would endure. If the spirit of England had failed at this crucial moment the last lights in Europe would have been extinguished. Churchill has taken his stand on that rock and his clarion call has found a responsive echo in the hearts of all Britons. And the enemy has halted. It may be only a pause to reorganise his forces for the final great assault, but it is a halt in a previously headlong career. “Here in this strong city of refuge, in which are enshrined the title deeds of human progress,” said Churchill, “here, girt about by the seas and oceans, where the Navy reigns, and shielded from above by the staunch devotion of our airmen, we await undismayed the impending assault. Perhaps it will come tonight, perhaps next week, perhaps never. We must show ourselves capable of meeting a sudden, violent shock, as well as a prolonged vigil. And, whether the ordeal be sharp or long, Britain will seek no terms and tolerate no parley. We may show mercy, but we shall ask for none.” That is the battle cry which Britons all over the world have been waiting to hear. It is no empty boast but a declaration of purpose backed by a long tradition of fighting prowess. Into the breach ! Down with the enemy of all that is decent and honourable, and the cost, and the reward, can be counted afterwards.