Hitler is now (sprawled) over Europe. Our offensive springs are being slowly compressed, and we must resolutely and (methodically) prepare ourselves for the campaigns of 1941 and 1942. Two or three years are not a long time, even in our short, precarious lives. They are nothing in the history of the nation, and when we are doing the (finest) thing in the world, and have the honour to be the sole champion of the liberties of all Europe, we must not grudge these years of weary as we toil and struggle through them. It does not follow that our energies in future years will be (exclusively) confined to defending ourselves and our (possessions). Many opportunities may lie open to amphibious power, and we must be ready to take (advantage) of them.
One of the ways to bring this war to a (speedy) end is to convince the enemy, not by words, but by deeds, that we have both the will and the means, not only to go on (indefinitely) but to strike heavy and unexpected blows. The road to victory may not be so long as we expect. But we have no right to count upon this. Be it long or short, rough or smooth, we mean to reach our journey's end.
It is our (intention) to maintain and enforce a strict blockade not only of Germany but of Italy, France, and all the other countries that have fallen into the German power. I read in the papers that Herr Hitler has also (proclaimed) a strict blockade of the British Islands. No one can complain of that. I remember the Kaiser doing it in the last war. What indeed would be a matter of general (complaint)would be if we were to prolong the (agony) of all Europe by allowing food to come in to nourish the Nazis and aid their war effort, or to allow food to go in to the (subjugated) peoples, which certainly would be pillaged off them by their Nazi conquerors.
There have been many proposals, founded on the highest motives, that food should be allowed to pass the blockade for the relief of these populations. I regret that we must refuse these requests. The Nazis declare that they have created a new (unified) economy in Europe. They have repeatedly stated that they possess ample (reserves) of food and that they can feed their captive peoples.
In a German (broadcast) of 27th June it was said that while Mr. Hoover's plan for relieving France, Belgium, and Holland deserved (commendation), the German forces had already taken the necessary steps. We know that in Norway when the German troops went in, there were food supplies to last for a year. We know that (Poland), though not a rich country, usually produces sufficient food for her people. Moreover, the other countries which Herr Hitler has invaded all held (considerable) stocks when the Germans entered and are themselves, (in) many cases, very substantial food producers. If all this food is not available now, it can only be because it has been removed to feed the people of Germany and to give them increased rations - for a change - during the last few months.
At this season of the year and for some months to come, there is the least chance of (scarcity) as the harvest has just been gathered in. The only agencies which can create famine (in) any part of Europe now and during the coming winter, will be German exactions or German failure to (distribute) the supplies which they command.
There is another aspect. Many of the most (valuable) foods are essential to the manufacture of vital war material. Fats are used to make explosives. Potatoes make the (alcohol) for motor spirit. The plastic materials now so largely used in the construction of aircraft are made (of) milk. If the Germans use these commodities to help them to bomb our women and children, rather than to feed the populations who produce them, we may be sure that imported foods would go the same way, directly or indirectly, or be employed to relieve the enemy of the (responsibilities) he has so wantonly assumed.
Let Hitler bear his responsibilities to the full and let the peoples of Europe who groan beneath his yoke aid in every way the coming of the day when that yoke will be broken. (Meanwhile), we can and we will arrange in advance for the speedy entry of food into any part of the enslaved area, when this part has been wholly cleared of German forces, and has (genuinely) regained its freedom. We shall do our best to encourage the building up of reserves of food all over the world, so that there will always be held up before the eyes of the peoples of Europe, including - I say deliberately - the German and (Austrian) peoples, the certainty that the (shattering) of the Nazi power will bring to them all immediate food, freedom and peace.
Rather more than a quarter of a year has passed since the new (Government) came into power in this country. What a cataract of disaster has poured out upon us since then. The trustful Dutch overwhelmed; their beloved and (respected) Sovereign driven into exile; the peaceful city of Rotterdam the scene of a massacre as (hideous) and brutal as anything in the Thirty Years' War. Belgium invaded and beaten down; our own fine Expeditionary Force, which King Leopold called to his rescue, cut off and almost captured, escaping as it (seemed) only by a miracle and with the loss of all its equipment; our Ally, France, out; Italy in against us; all France in the power of the enemy, all its arsenals and vast masses of military material converted or convertible to the enemy's use; a (puppet) Government set up at Vichy which may at any moment be forced to become our foe; the whole Western seaboard of Europe from the North Cape to the (Spanish) frontier in German hands; all the ports, all the air-fields on this immense front, employed against us as (potential) springboards of invasion. Moreover, the German air power, numerically so far outstripping ours, has been brought so close to our Island that what we used to (dread) greatly has come to pass and the hostile bombers not only reach our shores in a few minutes and from many directions, but can be (escorted) by their fighting aircraft.