BRITAIN’S AIMS

Waikato Times, Volume 127, Issue 21245, 16 October 1940, Page 7

BRITAIN’S AIMS

TAKING THE OFFENSIVE MR CHURCHILL’S VIEWS AFTER=WAR PROBLEMS (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Oct. 16, 11.30 a.m.) LONDON, Oct. 15 The Prime Minister, Mr Winston Churchill, was asked in the House of Commons whether, in anticipation of I the time when Britain and its Allies 1 will be in a position to resume the military offensive, he would take an early opportunity of stating their aims in general terms. He replied that this is being borne in mind. Mr Churchill added that the time has not come when an official declaration could be made on the war aims, beyond the very carefully considered statements which had already been made public. He did not think that the opinion prevailed anywhere that Britain was fighting merely to maintain the status quo. (Cheers). We were fighting in order to survive. “When our capacity to do that is more generally recognised throughout the world, when the conviction about it becomes more general, then we shall be in a position to take a further view of what we shall do with victory when it is won,” said Mr Churchill. It was urged upon the Prime Minister that an important factor in victory would be an assurance felt throughout the world that Britain stood ready to lead in organising a better world. It was pointed out in reply the great danger of general statements, and -Mr Churchill voiced his conviction that world opinion was in little doubt about the British cause and whole-heartedly endorsed it. Rebuilding New World The question of war aims was subsequently raised on the adjournment, and Mr A. Duff-Cooper, replying for the Government, said:

“While everyone is aware for what Britain is fighting, that is a different matter from a formal statement of war aims. Any statement which the Government may make must be one which will command the greatest possible unanimity, not only among parties in Britain but also in the great Dominions and among those who are our friends and Allies. “The war is destroying a great part of the political, social and economic, as well as material structure of the world, and it will be a duty after victory is achieved to rebuild a better, saner and more beautiful fabric. It is a duty even now to be thinking of how it can be rebuilt.” Speaking of the political organisation, the Minister pointed to the British Commonwealth of Nations as a great example for a combination of nations. MORALE UNSHAKEN SPIRIT IN ENGLISH TOWNS LIFE ALMOST NORMAL (United Press Assn.—Elec. Tel. Copyright) LONDON, Oct. 14 That the morale of British people has not been shaken by the prolonged bombardment is proved by a tour of the ports and holiday towns on the south-east coast. The civilian spirit is unbroken and life is as near to normal as the actual dropping of bombs permits. Dover is as busy and cheerful as any town in England. The seaside population has dwindled, but evacuation nowhere has been wholesale. Children still play in the streets and women go shopping even after raid warnings have been sounded. Ramsgate has changed its way of life more than other towns. Women and children, remembering the terrific onslaught on August 14, spend many hours daily and most of the night 60ft to 90ft under the ground. FIRE IN FRANCE 1,000,000 BLANKETS DESTROYED (United Press Assn. —Elec. Tel. Copyright) (Received Octi 16. 11.35 a.m.) VICHY, Oct. 15 A huge blanket factory was destroyed by fire at Cours. One million blankets were lost.