Mr. Churchill's speech in the House of Commons during the debate on the conduct the war was just as frank as it possibly could be considering all the circumstances and the imperative necessity of giving the enemy very little information. It is one of the faults of democracy, though, perhaps, not important one, that Governments are upon to defend themselves against criticism during periods of crisis, which dicta-5 "tors are able to avoid.
Mr. Churchill made* a very good point when he insisted that Hitler, and Mussolini are never called upon to explain their mistakes, such as the Ger-the Bismarck, and the Italian loss 1 They do not do so, because.
first place, they do not have to, and, in ud, because they are in the position completely suppressed criticism. of their commanding any confidence in their countries than Mr. 3 commands in his, for, probably, 3 if the truth were known, very considerable ed because of the failure of the dictators to achieve the quick victory which they pro-peoples, and which seemed to after the collapse of France.
3 *""pomplete expose of the situation drew atten-disabilities under which Great her Allies were fighting, most of out of the widespread operations to be simultaneously conducted. efforts in north Africa, Abyssinia, and now Syria make enormous demands upon the men and material which have to reach the theatres of war by long and roundabout routes, in contrast with the enemy who are fighting on inside lines, and are able to throw their strength wherever "they need it most much quicker than is lo to the British. But that was equally of the last war. Then the disadvantages "were overcome and there is every reason that will be in this conflict as well, for when Britain establishes her superiority in in the various theatres of war as she over Britain, as witness the defeat the Germans in their attacks last summer, ig point of the war will have come. the passages in Mr, Churchill's suggest that he had to deal with no amount of uninformed criticism. It natural that this should be the case the House of Commons can hope to be not only of the intentions of the but the means at their disposal them out.. No secret could long on forces during the invasion of the enemy an opportunity of about as vile a piece of pro-their perverted imaginations could sive, but Mr. Churchill in declaring the names of the regiments taking part in fighting has very definitely laid that Particularly reassuring is the Prime Minister's reference to the possibility of a German invasion of the British Isles. That problem is not by any means on all fours bes that^of the invasion of Crete. The king would have to be on much vaster lines than was the case with Crete. The superiority in the, air liver Britain would goa long way to ensure defeat of any invasión while whatever numbers were land-be There is, as Mr. Churchill y reducing all that has happened recently to its proper perspective, no reason whatever for despondency. The times are grim, but Mr. Churchill promised long ago would be. Anyone with memories last war can perceive how true this for there were four years of bitter struggle sun of victory rose then as it On Tuesday evening Admiral Darlan, Viehy's vice-Premier, delivered a broadcast which is in striking contrast with "made by Mr. Churchill on the because of the continuance of the armistice possibility of Hitler denouncing it if France at any time gave Germany use to denounce it, it would be tantamount both for herself and her Empire. His explanation of the tortuous policies he has been following is summed up in his declaration of the necessity of creating an atmosphere favourable to the establishment of an honourable peace. "Should this atmosphere not be created," he said, "I fear a disastrous peace for France. This fear is not based upon an impression, but upon a certainty." Britain and. her Allies do not i fear a disastrous peace for France, because it is their intention to continue the war until they dictate the terms of peace. That and that alone will bring to France a restoration of that honour which Vichy has so grievously besmirched, that alone will save France and her Empire of that dismemberment which it is notorious Hitler plans.
Tt is quite clear what Admiral Darlan fears; "We will not obtain an honourable peace if France, deprived of numerous departments and of her important territories abroad, enters into the new Europe reduced and battered." He must realize that this war is a German war of revenge and spoliation. ff Titler has declared time and time again that "there can be no peace for Germany until France is destroyed, and yet Admiral Darlan professes to believe that, by assisting Germany to defeat Great Britain, France will obtain better terms than d present appear likely. Hitler contemplates no honourable peace for any country which he defeats. That be has made clear time and time again.
The only interests he considers are German interests, the establishment of an economic and industrial superior Germany and the relegation of subdued nations to utter serfdom.
Admiral Darlan dare not tell his people that. It would arouse the fury of the Germans if he did, but there are many millions in France who see no hope for the future save in a victory over the enemy. A reduction in the amount of the occupation levy, the return of a few thousands of prisoners of war represents all up to the present which Admiral Darlan has secured for his truckling to Hitler. Areas in occupied France have been denuded of their agricultural labour which has been transported into Germany. Unoccupied France has been oblived to yield foodstuffs to the conqueror. The fraudulent despoiling of the French through the use of the Reichsmark continues and Darlan "out-Lavals" his predecessor. Does the vice-Premier for one moment believe that he can ever remove the German impression that France remains Germany's hereditary enemy? If he does he is far too credulous to be in charge of his country's interests, If he does not he is betraying his own countrymen with a lie.
The issue for France is plain. France has no future if Britain fails to save her from her enemy.. The Nazi leaders have declared their intentions time and time again. There may be modification in their attitude from a superficial point of view in order to secure as much assistance from the French as possible. Hitler will doubtless promise anything to get hold of the French Navy but that he would keep his promise no sensible person for one moment believes. A man who will betray Italy, as Hitler has done with regard to her demands on France, will have decidedly less compunction in betraying a conquered and helpless enemy if he is given the opportunity. That Britain and her Allies are determined he shall not have, and that France shall be restored to her former position in Europe. It is rather more than a little ironical that Admiral Darlan and his fellows are doing their utmost to thwart the only nations which can bring them freedom, but doubtless when France is liberated, despite their efforts, the French themselves will see that they receive their just reward.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.