BRITISH MESSAGES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 63, Issue 173, 4 May 1943, Page 4

BRITISH MESSAGES.

HOPES OF FREE POLAND.

LONDON, May 2

“Poles at homo and abroad aro one in their determination to continue the struggle against the German oppressors. The valuable contribution they have made to the common cause of the United Nations has not been achieved without heavy sacrifices. These sacrifices will bo crowned by tile restoration of a great and independent Poland.”

This was the message sent by Mr Churchill to a London meeting celebrating Polish National Day. Mr Churchill added: “I send you the greetings of the British Government and the British people. We celebrate this anniversary in renewed confidence that Poland’s liberation has been brought nearer by the last year’s joint efforts of the United Nations.” The Lord President of tho Council (Sir John Anderson), speaking on behalf of the War Cabinet, said: ‘‘The Poles, looking for leadership to General Sikorski, and for ultimate liberation to the United Nations, have maintained unshaken faith in victory. From the Luftwaffe’s wanton destruction of their cities and villages in 1939 to tlio brutalities of the present day the Poles’ resistance to the Germans and their loyalty to Poland have never wavered. “From their sacrifices a new Poland will be born. Not from individual striving, but from tho joint struggle of the United Nations will redemption come. The Germans know it. Despairing cf military victory, they now see a last desperate hope in attempts to disturb tlie harmony of the formidable coalition which is inexorably closing in an them.

“Such manoeuvres cannot he allowed to succeed. We must all look not to the past but to the future. Friends marching abreast must not fall out while the enemy is ravening nearby. The United Nations should not need to he reminded that in unity lies their strength. That strength is the surest guarantee that Poland’s greatness and prosperity shall be restored. That day is not far distant and the Poles will again celebrate National Day in a free Poland.”

•Sir John Anderson described General Sikorsky as a brave soldier and a wise leader and a trusted friend. He added that Poles, from Polish exiles in foreign lands, had raised more than 100,000 soldiers, 12,000 airmen, and 3000 seamen.