Mr. Herbert Morrison's call for sacrifices from the British people in order to provide munitions for the forces should receive a magnificent response from the public, not only in the British Isles, where they are most immediately affected, but also in all parts of the empire. It is very different from the "guns before butter" decree of Field Marshal Goering a few years ago, which was accepted by the German people because they had no choice about the matter. Had they refused, they would have been rubber-trun-cheeried into compliance. In the case of Britain. the British people now also have little choice in the matter. In spite of the Emergency Defence Act, the British are still a free people. They have voluntarily given up some of their freedom, for the better prosecution of the war, But indirectly they, too, are feeling the effects of the Nazi truncheons, and the "guns before butter" request has at last been made, With the news from France and the Mediterranean far irom cheering, there can be little doubt that the new sacrifices which have been called for will be made with enthusiasm. The least the Briton at home can do is to go without some of the luxuries to which he has become occu: tomed, while his fellow-countrymen are endeavouring to stamp out for all time the noisome clique which has made such sacrifices and slaughter necessary. A general lowering of the standard of living in Great Britain is expected to follow the Governments new quests. But this will not affect the morale of anyone. The advantages to be gained by this lowering are obvious. Much shipping, previously employed in carrying strictly non-essentials, Will be freed for transporting goods needed in fighting a successful war. Men and women who work in luxury trades will be able to turn their hands to more important war work. In a thousand ways can the call for sacrifices be answered. And answered it will be by every loyal Briton,
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.