London, Sept, 3.
'BORTLY after Mr. Neville Chamberlain, the Prime Minister, had told the British people by radio that Great Britain and Germany were at war, the sound of air-raid sirens whined across London, and immediately there was a quick but orderly evacuation of people from buildings to shelters in basements, When Parliament met at noon, sirens sounding the all-clear were heard. The noise of their blasts drowned the opening sentences of the Prime Minister when he rose to declare that Great Britain was in a state of war with Germany.
It was later made known that the alarm occurred over the approach of an aeroplane of a friendly Power.
Mr, Chamberlain's dramatic announcement was broadcast to the nation at 11.15 am, (6.15 p.m, Shanghai time) today.
Chamberlain stated that in-his recent Note to Germany, Herr Hitler had been given until 11 this morning to withdraw Germany's troops from Polish territory.
Since this time limit shad been reached and the German troops were still in Poland, Britain had no alternative but to consider herself in a state of war with Germany, Mr. Chamberlain declared.
'A Note couched in identical terms was handed to Herr Joachim, von Ribbentrop the German Foreign Minister, Robert Coulondre, force" the Prime atiaster clared "nifler can only be by
one passage of his broadcast, added' that the Government were faking all necessary precautions. for the defence of the country. "Atter making his announcement, the Prime Minister proceeded to the House of Commons.
Mr. Chamberlain, who was greeted with loud cheers,' declared inthe House of Commons:
"When T spoke last night to. the House, T could not but be aware that, Ju some parts, there were doubts of bewilderment as to whether "there had been hesitation or vaellation on by the French Ambassador, M. has been destroyed (loud general cheers), and restored and berated Europe' "has been re-established (eud cheers).
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.