While Herr Hitler was making a conqueror╒s progress through the streets of the Austrian capital yesterday afternoon Mr. Chamberlain in the House of Commons was announcing that Germany╒s actions would force Britain to take still further defence measures. The Premier╒s words were:╤
We must consider a new situation quickly, but with cool judgment. And I am confident that we shall be supported in asking that no one, whatever his preconceived notions may be, shall regard himself as being excluded from any extension of the national effort which may be called for.
In regard to our defence programmes, we have always made it clear that they were flexible and they would have to be reviewed from time to time in the light of any new development in the international situation. It would be idle to pretend that the recent events do not constitute a change of the kind we had in mind.
Accordingly we have decided to make a review, and in due course we shall announce what further steps we may think it necessary to take.
Mr Chamberlain brushed aside the official German pretences that ╥forcible pressure╙ was not exerted by the Reich (as set forth in Baron von Neurath╒s letter, read by the Premier in his speech and quoted in our diplomatic correspondent╒s article in yesterday╒s ╥Manchester Guardian╙). Mr. Chamberlain declared that the methods adopted by Germany throughout these events ╥call for the severest condemnation,╙ and must prejudice the Government╒s hope of promoting international co-operation.
Still Stronger Air Force
The Premier╒s reference to the ╥national effort╙ was not a hint of the possibility of military or industrial conscription. Mr. R. A. Butler, in making this clear in his speech closing the debate, also indicated that it was in the Air Force programme that expansion or acceleration may be contemplated.
The Premier, it was further explained, was referring to ╥certain inconveniences and perhaps sacrifices,╙ which employers and workpeople would no doubt be asked to accept in the national interest if the Government decided upon these measures.
The Prime Minister╒s announcement about defence follows only a week after he had informed the country that the figure of ú1,500,000,000 contemplated for the defence estimates would have to be substantially increased.
Features of the Commons debate were the acceptance of the necessity of continued defence efforts and the urgency of allying them with a definite League policy to collective security.
France╒s Pledge
Mr. Chamberlain recounted in his speech the German assurances to Czecho-Slovakia, but said nothing of the British position.
Yesterday, France gave Czecho-Slovakia a solemn pledge that she is determined to honour her agreement with Czecho-Slovakia in the event of attack. The pledge was given by M Blum, the Premier, and M Paul-Boncour, the Foreign Minister, to the Czecho-Slovak Minister in Paris and the French Ambassador in London was instructed (says Reuter) to inform the British Government of this determination.
