Evening star., 1939-08-29
London
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in quite general terms, some of the
main points with which they deal.
Herr Hitler was concerned to
impress upon his majesty's gov
ernment his wish for an Anglo
German understanding of a COM
plete and lasting character. On
the other hand he left his majes-
tvs government in no doubt as to
the urgency of settling Polish Ger
man questions.
His majesty's government have also
frequently stated their desire to
see the realization of such an Anglo
German understanding and, as soon
as circumstances permit, they would
naturally welcome an opportunity
Of discussing with Germany the sew
eral issues, a settlement of which
would have to find a place in any
permanent agreement.
All Turns on Polish Crisis.
But everything turns upon the
manner in which the immediate
differences between Germany and
Poland can be handled and the
nature Of the proposals which might
be made for any settlement, for we
have made it plain that our obliga-
tions to Poland, cast into formal
shape by the agreement signed on
August 25 FRIDAY last), will be
carried out.
But as the House will remember,
his majesty's government have said
more than once publicly that Ger
man-Polish differences should be
capable of solution by peaceful
means. Meanwhile the first pre-
requisite. If there is to be any chance
Of useful discussion, Is that the
tension created by frontier clashe,
and by reports of incidents on both
sides of the border, should be
diminished.
His majesty's government accord.
ingly hope that both governments
will use their best endeavor tc
prevent the occurrence Of such in
cidents, the circulation of exaggerat-
ed reports. and all other activities
that result in dangerous infiamma-
ton Of opinion.
His majesty's government would
hope that if an equitable settlement
Of Polish-German differences could
be reached by free negotiation, this
might, in turn, lead on to a wider
agreement which would accrue to
the lasting benefit of Europe and of
the world at large.
At this moment the position Is
that we are waiting for the reply of
Herr Hitler to our communication.
On the nature Of that reply depends
whether further time will be given
to the exploration of the situation
and for the operation of many forces
which are working for peace.
"We Are Calm and United"
A waiting period of that kind is
often very trying. Nothing, I think,
can be more remarkable than the
calm which characterizes the atti-
tude of the whole British people. It
seems to me that there are two ex-
plantations for that happening The
first is that none OF us have any
doubt as to where our duty lies.
There is no difference Of opinion
among us. There is no weakening of
our determination and the second is
our confidence that we are ready
for any eventuality.
The House might like to know one
or two particulars OF the prepara-
tions which have been made.
Obviously there are many things
which could not very well say here
because they could not be confined
to those I see around me. What
say, therefore, must be in somewhat
general terms.
Some of the measures which we
have to take, such as those in con-
nection with requisitioning, neces-
sarily must cause some degree OF
inconvenience to the public. I am
confident that the people Of the
country generally recognize that
the nations need must now be para
mount and that they will submit
willingly or even cheerfully to any
inconveniences or hardships that
may be involved.
At any rate, we have not had to
begin here by issuing rationing
cards.
Air Defense Ready.
To deal first with the active de-
fense of the country, the air de-
fense of Great Britain has been
placed in a state Of instant readi-
ness. The ground anti-aircraft de-
fenses have been deployed and are
manned by the territorial anti
aircraft units.
The regular squadrons Of the
royal air force have been brought
up to war strength by the addition
of the necessary reservists, including
a proportion of the voluntary re-
serve.
The fighter and general recon-
Nuisance squadrons Of the auxiliary
air force have been called up and
are standing ready and the balloon
barrage is in position.
The observer corps are at their
posts. And, indeed, the whole warn
ing system is ready night and day
to be brought into instant operation
The coast defense units are ready
and are manned by the coast de-
tense units Of the territorial army.
Arrangements have also been
made for protection by national de-
fense companies and by militia and
by units of the territorial army, OF
a large number Of important points
whose safety is essential for the
national war effort.
Whole Fleet IN Readiness.
As for the navy be House will
remember that in IDLY last 1t wa