Mr, Here-Belisha stressed that the partnership was neither selfish nor exclusive. It was ready to act on behalf of others who might find their independence threatened.
Referring to the introduction of conscription in Britain, he said that the medical examination of 50,000 militiamen disclosed that over 97 per cent. was fit for military service.
"Who are the physicians who proclaim our decadence he asked.
The strength of the British army, regular and auxiliary, the British Minister asserted, would be over a million men within a year, and would be continually increasing. Just as France had the greatest army, Britain had the greatest navy, and by accelerating the rate of production they would have the most modern and, in quality, most powerful air force.
In conclusion Mr. Here-Belisha de-"England can say to France, ce to England: we have thought in the same way, we have reached the same conclusion, and we cherish the same ideals. We are friends, we are strong, and we shall stand together."—Reufe:
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.