"MASTERS OF SITUATION”

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21198, 22 August 1940, Page 6

" MASTERS OF SITUATION”

Greater confidence than before in Britain’s ability to meet and destroy the Nazi menace was shown by Mr Winston Churchill in his review in the House of Commons of the developments of the war. “We are masters of our own fate and masters of the situation,” he said. “The springs of our offensive are slowly being depressed and soon will be released. The road to victory may not be as long as we expected, but we must nevertheless be prepared for a war extending over years if necessary.” This certainly bears little resemblance to the people which the German High Command has pictured in its propaganda as fleeing and cringing before the wrath of the Nazi blitzkrieg. Mr Churchill made the only possible reply to appeals for the lifting of the British blockade for the benefit of those countries which have fallen under the power of the Germans. What answer can Germany give to his reasoning ? He declared that when Germany seized Holland, Belgium and France, and even Denmark and Norway, those countries had ample supplies of foodstuffs. What has happened to those stores ? In the first place Germany destroyed vast quantities of goods in its destructive invasion, but since then the Nazis have been stripping the conquered territory for the replenishment of stocks in Germany. Britain can in no sense be held responsible for the desperate plight of those people, nor can she now assist them without assisting the Germans. The responsibility is Hitler’s, and he must bear it. Mr Churchill, while sympathetic with those groaning under the yoke of Germany, reminds them of their responsibility to assist in throwing off the yoke and regaining their freedom. He is fully conscious of the fact that their ability to strike back is strictly limited, but those who have lost their freedom must remember that the only way to regain it is to thwart Hitlerism and not to tolerate or encourage it. Unfortunately, only a few of them will hear Mr Churchill’s promise of eventual deliverance, but those who do will spread the tidings that Britain is undefeated and is courageously carrying on the fight in their behalf. This must assist in maintaining their spirits and act as an antidote to the Nazi poison. As time goes on they will receive more forceful reminders that their fate does not run parallel with the plans of Hitler.