Extract CANBERRA, 25 August 1939, evening

It may very well be that Germany still has some grievances which
would be all the better for ventilation and unprejudiced
discussion. But if, instead of entering into discussion, instead
of going into friendly conference, instead of recognising that
there are, after all, two sides to most questions, the attitude of
Germany is to be, 'We will take whatever our military strength
will permit us to take, and we will not negotiate with our
military inferiors,' there is obviously an end of all law and
order among the nations, and the absorption of Poland would lead
to attacks upon other smaller European countries, upon one ground
or another, until a vast domination of force has been established.

Realising that, in the long run, the happiness and well-being of
every nation in the world depends upon a peaceful and civilised
means of determining differences, the British and French
Governments have given their pledge to Poland and to several other
European countries, and they have, in the last few days, under
circumstances of grave responsibility, made it abundantly clear
that those pledges will be honoured.

We in Australia are involved, because the destruction or defeat of
Great Britain would be the destruction or defeat of the British
Empire, and leave us with a precarious tenure of our own
independence.

At this moment, therefore, Europe and the world are at the point
of crisis.