Evening star., 1940-12-19
Churchill
Continued From First Page.

AuOl1 I11t1Cl, llC dooCl UCu, AAds
great need to do something now OF
at any rate in the next two months
1--WE must suppose that he is max
ing plans which would be particu-
larly directed against U.s.
At the same time Mr.. Churchill
dropped a hint of Britain's own long
range offensive planning when he
said she would be well armed in
1941" and mo doubt we shall find
opportunities of using our forces, if
not in defense of this island, in other
theaters on terms of moderate
equality in numbers and equipment"
AS for the danger of invasion, the
Prime Minister said:
I'VE are not afraid of any blow
our defense of the beaches is
complete"
Final War Report.
1t was the Prime Minister'S final
war report before the short Christ
mas recess of Parliament. He de-
voted much of his address to review
ing Britain's defenses.
I'VE are not making the mistake
which was made by the French gen.
eral staff when they thought that
holding the Maginot Line was all
that was necessary" he said. The
watchword must be unceasing vigi-
lance"
Hitler" and as Churchill NUT
tered the word he interjected, amid
laughter: II should certainly depre-
cate any comparison between Hitler
and Napoleon-I do not want to in
suit the dead-Hitler wields gigantic
power and is capable of welding it
in ruthless manner.
He has a great need of doine
something now or at any rate in the
next two months. - He waited
a long time in complete quiescence,
it seemed and then he struck the
most terrible series of blows which
shattered France
Libyan Battle Proceeds.
Turning to the war in Africa, Mr..
Churchill said, The battle of the
Libyan desert is still proceeding
We are attacking the fort and
town of Bardia with strong and in
creasirg forces"
THE situation there is not such
that can make any decided state
ment, but will go so far as to say
that I have every reason to believe
1t is developing favorably."
This memorable battle, spread
over a vast extent of desert, these
swiftly moving mechanical columns,
clrcllng in and out of the mass of
the enemy, and the posts of the
enemy, means fighting is taking
place over an area as large as
Yorkshire ="
Il am sure that the figure of
10000 prisoners is, even to the pres
ent moment, a considerable under
statement.
One hundred serviceable guns
and so tanks, together with great
quantities of invaluable stores, have
already been gathered by our
troops"
He said the desert fighting had
showed the quality of the British
Army and Should permit us to
take bolder views than those open
to us before
Cheered by House.
Mr.. Churchill was cheered re-
peatedly by the crowded House. Mrs.
Churchill looked down from a front
seat in the visitors gallery. When
the Prime Minister entered the
House he waved a sheaf of notes at
his wife, she waved, and then he
smiled and took his seat.
The Prime Minister said British
shipping losses in the Atlantic re-
main the primary problem at
present.
Mr.. Churchill explained that when
he spoke recently of 1943 and 1914
he did not mean he believed that
the war would continue until then,
but that preparations had to be
made for war production for years
ahead.
I'VE shall steadily increase from
now on our resources in flotillas and
other methods of defense against
the Nazi counter blockade, the
Prime Minister said.
1T would be a disaster for any one
to suppose that the supreme dan
ger OF invasion has passed." Mr..
Churchill warned.
Notes Drop in Raids.
Noting the decrease in air attacks
on England, Mr.. Churchill said he
supposed the weather was the chief
factor, but they might easily have
slackened in preparation for some
other form of activity against Brit
ain
Il hope the House will be con-
tented by the present position and
by the results achieved by this of
fensive," Mr.. Churchill said of the
African campaign.
1T is not by any means at an
end"
Mr.. Churchill disclosed that heavy
reinforcements were sent around the
Cape of Good Hope last July and
August when the threat of German
invasion was highest.
'It is not easy in July and Au-
gust to send precious tanks of the
best quality and cannon, of which
we were then so short, on that long
journey around the Cape of Good
Hope to enable us first to defend
ourselves and later to resume the
offensive " but you will not bridge
this war or emerge from it success
fully unless risks are run"
Eve may be thankful that we have
been preserved so far and have made
progress after moment when many
in the world, including our best
friends abroad, despaired Of our con-
tinued power Of resistance" he con-
cluded.
Resistance Power Grows.
"Our power of resistance has
grown and we have preserved our
selves secure in our island home and
have reached out long and strong
hands across the seas to discharge
obligations we have undertaken to
countries that have put their faith