GROUNDS FOR HOPE

Camp News, Volume 2, Issue 88, 5 September 1941, Page 2

GROUNDS FOR HOPE

General Smuts has said that “Germany is winning victories and losing the war.” It was so last time. • In the last war, too, the Kaiser’s hordes swept over Europe, defeated Russia, hurled themselves hither and thither. We seemed to face defeat. We seemed to be always “too late” —in the words of the man who did so much to save —yet the great machine wore itself to pieces. Huge victories did not prevent Germany from losing the war.

This thing must be regarded as a vast pattern of which it is almost impossible for any man to seize the whole design.

We know, however, that Mr. Roosevelt has warned the American people, in words like those used also by Mr. Winston Churchill: he has warned them against judging the vast event by its “details.”

British industrial production has been delayed by early failure to realise the need for immense efforts; but it increases almost every day. It is aided by the awakening of America—thanks mainly to the tact and alertness with which President Roosevelt has handled the whole problem of enlightenment. His announcement of the extension of the U.S. “neutrality patrol” is an example. It shows his determination to aid Britain in the winning of the Battle of the Atlantic. When that Battle is won we shall be well on the way to victory.

The British people, too, as well as the Americans, are determined to win that battle—and the War. They, too, will be strengthened in their determination by “enlightenment”that .1 i .' • is, by ias much news as it is possible and safe to give them; followed by such lucid, incisive and courageous summaries or interpretations of the news as the British Prime Minister has given. His speeches and broadcasts are a tonic that never fail to inspire renewed strength. ’