Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain – Putting a positive spin on deadly business.

British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain declaring himself fully fit, broadcast address stated that in 12 weeks of war had showed that the Allies were bound to win,” and it was only a question of how long it would take.

He dealt fully with Britain’s plans for a reconstructed Europe, declaring that neither the Rawalpindi nor other losses affected Britain’s overwhelming naval superiority.

“Our definition of peace aims must necessarily at present be in very general terms, but the principles are the establishment of a new Europe, not in the sense of tearing up old frontiers, but with a new spirit, in which the nations can approach difficulties with goodwill and mutual tolerance,” said Mr. Chamberlain.

“In such a Europe the fear of aggression will cease and adjustments to boundaries will be thrashed out between neighbors, sitting on equal terms around a table. *In such a Europe there will he no lasting peace without a full and constant flow of trade, for only thus can the living standard be raised in Europe “

Each country should have the Unfettered right to choose its own form of Internal Government so long as that Government does not pursue an external policy Injurious to its neighbors. “In such a Europe armaments will be gradually dropped except internally. The establishment of this Utopian Europe cannot be accomplished in a few months indeed conditions never cease to change and some machinery which at present cannot be specified, will be needed for adjustments. hope a Germany animated by a new spirit will participate in the operations of this machinery.”

“They hope to starve us into submission,’ the Prime Minister said. “but they will not succeed. Convoys are steadily going to England, and will continue.” After a message to the forces comforting the relatives and workers of Britain, he said: “I do not forget I am speaking to an audience as wide as the Empire. I wish I could thank individually all peoples for the support freely and swiftly given. We are fighting for freedom and peace, which are vital principles of the Empire.

The Empire’s unity gives us moral as well as material strength to win.”

Here is that complete address, as broadcast via the BBC World Service on November 26, 1939