GUNS OR BUTTER?

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21183, 5 August 1940, Page 8

GUNS OR BUTTER?

HUNGER IN GERMANY NAZISM MEANS FAMINE DUFF=COOPER’S SPEECH (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, August 3 The Minister of Information, Mr Duff-Cooper, in a broadcast, said that Goering’s principle of guns before butter had produced increasing hunger in Germany and would shortly produce starvation in Europe. “Destruction and devastation march in the vanguard of Nazism,” said the Minister. “Famine rides behind. During Hitler’s regime the population of Germany has decreased. Diseases have increased. Convictions of youthful criminals have doubled. The numbers of suicides and lunatics have multiplied. “A typical piece of stupidity was the leaflets dropped over Britain. I have never read such tedious, bombastic and boring balderdash. I have always hated Hitler and will hate him to the end.” The leaflets referred to by the Minister were dropped over the South of England on Thursday night. They contained Hitler’s “peace ultimatum” speech of July 19 and suggested that the British public did not have knowledge of the speech. FocH Shortage In Norway The ciwrent issue of the Economist states that all news indicates that Norway will face the most difficult winter for a century. The situation with regard to food may become as desperate as during the Napoleonic wars, when the Norwegians were forced to take such steps as blending their flour with bark. It has been announced by the German-controlled radio stations that the massed slaughtering of livestock is already in full swing, that the harvest prospects are bad owing to lack of rain, and that the production of milk, butter and cheese has decreased considerably in the last few months. In view of this scarcity of food it is worth pointing out that before the invasion Norway was well stocked against an emergency. According to authoritative sources in London, Norway then possessed grain for two years’ normal consumption. AID TO BRITAIN MORE HELP FROM AMERICA SHIPS FOR CONVOYS LIKELY PRESIDENT AND CONSCRIPTION (United Tress Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) WASHINGTON, Aug. 2 Members of Congress who are usually reliable authorities are predicting that the United States will shortly intensify its aid to Britain. It is stated that the Administration has studied several measures of assistance, involving possibly ships for convoys. Simultaneously considerable credence is being given to reports that Democratic leaders are seeking an implicit understanding with the Republicans, with the objection of removing the question of aid to Britain from the arena of party politics. President Roosevelt is pressing for conscription, in spite of warnings from Liberal groups that it is politically unpopular. Some observers doubt whether the President will attempt such a move unless he believes that events in Europe will soon make conscription more popular. The President’s insistence on total national defence has impressed on observers that the United States is preparing for eventualities. The feeling exists that the Government anticipates that forces may be required for the defence of objectives in the Western Hemisphere or the Far East, instead of in Europe. Developments have not yet crystallised, but members of Congress who usually know believe that events are moving fast. Defence of Philippines In a statement to the press, the President of the Philippines, Senor Manuel Quezon, said the defence propramme was being continued, but there were some changes. “ The war in Europe is teaching us that we were over-optimistic concerning our ability to defend the Philippines,” Senor Quezon said. “ Our original plans are not as bright as they were.” Concerning his availability for the Presidently in the future, Senor Quezon said: “ I am not a candidate. I will not accept nomination, but I will serve if I am elected.” CANADIAN CONTINGENT MANY AMERICANS INCLUDED NINE FROM ONE FAMILY (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, August 4 The Canadian division which has just arrived in England includes men from all walks of life, even fullblooded Indians, surprisingly garbed in the bonnets and tartan of a Scottish regiment. The Indians announced: “We have come to defend our home.” But most remarkable is the number of United States citizens. Mr David Cross, Mayor of Windsor and chairman of the Dionne Quintuplets Trust, is a private. Four Murphy brothers from the West Ontario Regiment announced: “ Our five brothers will be over soon.” This regiment also boasts two sets of twins and three O’Connor brothers and three Nichols brothers.