TO THE SERVICES.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 296, 14 December 1936, Page 7

TO THE SERVICES.

KING'S MESSAGES.

Assurances of Close Personal

Interest,

LOYALTY APPRECIATED. United Press Association.—Copyright. LONDON, December 13. The King sent messages to the Royal Navy, the Army, the Royal Air Force, and the Civil Service expressing his appreciation of their loyalty and zeal. His Majesty's address to tlie Royal Xavy concluded: "It is my intention to keep in closest toucli with all ranks and ratings throughout the Empire and all matters affecting them. I shall do so in the sure knowledge that they will be worthy of the implicit trust placed in them by their fellow countrymen that in their hands th" honour of the British navies will be upheld." In his message to the Army, the King said: "I assure all ranks that their welfare will be one of my chief concerns, it was a notable event of my life when my father appointed me a majorgeneral, and that, association has only served to enhance my admiration for the courageous and efficient manner in which your duties, however, onerous, have invariably been undertaken. The task before me is fraught with difficulties, but I know the heavy burden will be lightened by the faithful allegiance of all the military forces of the Crown throughout the Empire." To the Royal Air Force, His Majesty said: "I hasten to assure the Air Forces at home and overseas that' I look forward to the maintenance of my cYsc connection with them, which has been a happy feature of my life ever since I became a junior officer in 1018 and served in the independent Air Force in France. As Air Chief Marshal I have watched with keen appreciation the way in which the service has proved more than equal to its many tasks and its rapid expansion. I know full well that the Air Forces of the Empire will maintain to the full the great traditions they have already established, combining the highest efficiency and zeal with the fine chivalry of the service and deep and steadfast loyalty." The King's message to the Civil Service referred to its great traditions, including those of the Dominions services, which are well known to His Majesty. "I am sure I can depend upon the spirit and devotion to duty which has at all times animated them," said His Majesty.