Evening star., 1940-05-07

exaegefated. IL
He said the Norwegian campaign
could not be compared with the 1915
defeat at Gallipoli, explaining that
only a single division Of troops was
involved in Central Norway.
He said also that British losses
were mot really great in number
and declared no considerable
amount of stores were left behind.
House Cheers Chamberlain.
The Commons cheered loudly as
Prime Minister Chamberlain en-
tered for the most critical debate
of the war so far.
Diplomatic galleries were filled
Among the spectators were United
States Ambassador Joseph p. Ken
nedy and Halvdan A. Koht, Nor
wegian Foreign Minister.
Mr.. Chamberlain rose in Commons
amidst more cheers at 3:48 pm. to
begin his momentous Norwegian war
statement before the nations grand
court of inquest"
Churchill significantly sat at the
side Of his chief as the debate
opened before searchingly critical
opposition.
Mr.. Chamberlain paid tribute to
the skill of the navy and army in
eftecting the allied withdrawal from
Namsos "in single, short night
without loss"
Fifty German bombers attacked
the convoy the next day, Mr.. Cham
berlain disclosed, ana he declared
the British should count ourselves
fortunate we did not lose more than
one British and one French de-
stroyer."
He said that "the convoy was out
of range of our fighters and we had
to depend only on the ships anti
aircraft fire"
Pays Tribute to Troops.
The campaign In Southern Nor
way Is at an end, Mr.. Chamberlain
said, adding that whatever criti-
cisms may be made about any one
else, I am sure everybody will agree
that the troops engaged in this
campaign carried out their task
with magnificent gallantry."
I'm every respect of man for
man, our forces showed themselves
superior to their foe," the Prime
Minister declared.
He admitted that news of Brit
aims withdrawal from Norway
created profound shock"
The opposition echoed:
go And still isl"
Mr.. Chamberlain contended
that reports from Stockholm
which may have been invent
ed by the enemy" had aroused
expectations which were never justi-
fled and which were certainly never
indorsed by any minister"
Denies Comparison With Gallipoli.
Mr.. Chamberlain argued that the
withdrawal lis not comparable with
Gallipoli, as not more than a single
division was involved and our losses
were not really great in number,
nor was there considerable or val
AeoAN eAAiAOAAlt Va cCOl co lCAV u.
He said German losses were far
heavier "in warships, planes, trans
ports and men" and added that Il
am quite aware that the result is
not to be measured merely in losses
on the spot"
He told Britain it must take into
account the fact that I'VE have suf-
fered certain loss of prestige" and
color has been added to "the false
legend of German invincibility on
land. +*s
"We must accept that position for
the moment, but we need not help
our enemies by making it worse"
The Prime Minister lauded France
for showing remarkable steadiness"
and said that~ia. Britain. the only
effect of 'thereyerse has been to
stiffen our determination"
Turkey remained "imperturbable,"
Egypt has strengthened her de-
fenses and the position has been
strengthened by the reversion to
normal of our fleet distribution in
the Mediterranean" he said.
Decision to Send Force Approved.
The Prime Minister said he had
heard no criticism against the al
lies having sent force to Narvik,
and he assumed "our decision in
that respect, at any rate, was gen.
orally approved"
Il am not going to pretend that in
those first anxious days we foresaw
everything that was going to hap
pen," Mr.. Chamberlain admitted in
answer to his own question, why
did we attempt the expedition to
Trondheim?"
He admitted also that I'VE did
realize the expedition, if we under
took it, would be full of risks" be-
cause air-base facilities there were
known to be inadequate.
"On the other hand, we had to