CO129-581-16 British propaganda in Hong Kong 18-4-1939 - 29-10-1939 — Page 108

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which may be threatened with the loss of their independence.

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If

There is no pretence that such an attitude is one of pure altruism.

he loss of independence and security by the small states of Europe

would lead to a threat to British independence and security.

international law and order arc to be preserved we must be

prepared to fight in their defence.

Great Britain is charged with an attempt to isolate Germany.

There is no such intention. Great Britain fervently desires Ger-

many to "come into the circle". Germany has so far refused.

Germany is isolating herself from other countries, "economically

by her policy of autarky, politically by a policy that causes

constant anxiety to other nations, and culturally by her policy of

racialism." This process can be ended by Germany herself any day,

by a policy of co-operation.

To Resist Aggression.

Germany to-day does not believe in co-operation. Herr Hitler

has given proof that he believes in the doctrine of force, a

doctrine that "bars the way to settlement and fills the world with

envy, hatred, malice, and all uncharitableness."

To check this

force, now the normal instrument of German dimplomacy, nothing

short of force will suffice. For that reason Great Britain is

building up a colossal instrument of defence, on sea, on land, and

in the air. And this multiplication of armaments will continue as

long as it is necessary the British people are absolutely united

on that point.

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The conviction of the British people that the time has come

for them to make a stand has been deepened by the attacks made

upon them. Their aims and actions have been deliberately mis-

represented; their institutions and beliefs belittled and derided.

We read these attacks, said Lord Halifax, "with resentment, knowing

that they are false, and knowing that those who make them know it